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| Version 4 | Version 5 |
|---|---|
| Hampshire police officers suspended in 'racism' probe | Hampshire police officers suspended in 'racism' probe |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Sixteen Hampshire police officers and three civilian staff are under investigation over the alleged use of inappropriate and prejudiced language and behaviour. | Sixteen Hampshire police officers and three civilian staff are under investigation over the alleged use of inappropriate and prejudiced language and behaviour. |
| An investigation into a specialist team within Hampshire Constabulary began in February last year, the force said. | An investigation into a specialist team within Hampshire Constabulary began in February last year, the force said. |
| Five people have been suspended. | Five people have been suspended. |
| Of the 14 officers and staff not suspended, 11 have been placed on directed duties while the exact circumstances are established. | Of the 14 officers and staff not suspended, 11 have been placed on directed duties while the exact circumstances are established. |
| The force confirmed the investigation centres on a team based at the police investigation centre in Basingstoke. | The force confirmed the investigation centres on a team based at the police investigation centre in Basingstoke. |
| It said it "takes any allegations of this nature very seriously" and had been taking independent advice "from the outset". | |
| It added: "We are in the process of conducting a rigorous investigation which is being supervised by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)." | It added: "We are in the process of conducting a rigorous investigation which is being supervised by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)." |
| 'Unacceptable behaviour' | |
| The force has refused to comment on reports that some of the language was racist and homophobic and picked up by hidden cameras in one of its buildings. | The force has refused to comment on reports that some of the language was racist and homophobic and picked up by hidden cameras in one of its buildings. |
| The IOPC said it would be "inappropriate to comment further at this stage in the investigation". | The IOPC said it would be "inappropriate to comment further at this stage in the investigation". |
| Hampshire Police Federation said it was supporting and representing a number of officers who have had allegations made against them. It refused to comment further "whilst the investigation progresses". | Hampshire Police Federation said it was supporting and representing a number of officers who have had allegations made against them. It refused to comment further "whilst the investigation progresses". |
| Police and Crime Commissioner Michael Lane also refused to comment on the specifics of the investigation but said he was being "briefed regularly". | |
| "If any unacceptable behaviour is identified then this must of course be immediately subject to appropriate investigation," he said. | |
| He also said he witnessed "examples of the highest standards" from members of the force "every week". | |
| "However, this will never be a reason to accept anything less from the minority who have forgotten or become separated from their responsibilities," he added. |