Wiltshire police officer sacked over offensive messages

PC Frank Katus was dismissed without notice after a three-day hearing

A police officer has been sacked after a misconduct hearing heard he sent offensive messages to two colleagues.

PC Frank Katus, a roads policing officer at Wiltshire Police, sent the messages in January and February 2023.

Deputy Chief Constable Craig Dibdin said: "PC Katus' actions fell well below the high standards of professionalism that we expect from all police officers."

The former officer is now barred from taking up any policing work.

Wiltshire Police said PC Katus was suspended from his role as soon as allegations were made about his conduct.

The force described the messages he sent as "unwanted, inappropriate and offensive".

"There is no place within our organisation for anyone who conducts themselves in this inappropriate manner," Mr Dibdin said after the three-day misconduct hearing at the force's headquarters in Devizes.

"PC Katus will now be placed on the national barred list which means he will not be able to work in policing in the future.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the complainants who have supported the investigation."