By Charlotte Webster-
A police inspector from Nottinghamshire has been dismissed for malicious communication on social media.
Inspector Philip Grimwade attended an Accelerated Gross Misconduct Hearing open to the public and press at Force HQ on Monday 20 November.
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Two female members of the public complained to the force about Inspector Grimwade’s behaviour on social media site Twitter in January and April 2023.
Nottinghamshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate carried out a thorough investigation into Inspector Grimwade’s social media interaction.
The investigation began as soon as the first complainant came forward.
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The tweets were directed at members of the public.
Some of the comments described two female Twitter users as ‘mentalists’ and ‘narcissists’ which the complainants felt were “misogynistic”, “abusive” and “unprofessional.”
His misdemeanours include a reply to a 2021 tweet about policing of the Sarah Everard vigil at which Patsy Stevenson was bundled to the ground.
Mr Grimwade, 47, said of Ms Stevenson: “She’s from Southend. Should have thrown her in the sea at high tide.
Inspector Grimwade, who has been a serving police officer for 26 years, said he originally set up his Twitter account to shine a light on the good work of the force but had lost focus, prespective and manners over time.
He denied having misogynistic views and was deeply remorseful for what he did.
He admitted gross misconduct.
Nottinghamshire Police Inspector Philip Grimwade has been dismissed following an Accelerated Gross Misconduct Hearing on Monday, November 20, at Force HQ.
The hearing, open to both the public and the press, was convened in response to serious allegations of malicious, abusive, and antagonistic messages posted by Inspector Grimwade on the social media platform Twitter.
The investigation, carried out by Nottinghamshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, was prompted by two female members of the public who lodged complaints against Grimwade in January and April of 2023.
The complaints detailed the Inspector’s inappropriate behavior on Twitter, where he directed derogatory and offensive comments at individuals, particularly two female Twitter users whom he referred to as ‘mentalists’ and ‘narcissists.’
The complainants, understandably distressed by what they perceived as misogynistic, abusive, and unprofessional behavior, triggered a thorough examination into Grimwade’s social media interactions.
The investigation commenced immediately upon the first complaint, unraveling a pattern of sustained and deliberate misconduct spanning from December 2017 to January 2023.
Inspector Grimwade, who had served as a police officer for 26 years, acknowledged his lapse in judgment, admitting that he had initially set up his Twitter account to highlight the positive work of the force but had lost focus, perspective, and manners over time.
He expressed deep remorse for his actions and denied harboring misogynistic views.
During the gross misconduct hearing, chaired by Chief Constable Kate Meynell, it was found that Grimwade had breached professional standards of behavior, specifically in relation to Twitter content involving discreditable conduct and a lack of authority, respect, and courtesy.
Chief Constable Meynell, addressing the severity of the misconduct, highlighted the intentional, deliberate, and targeted nature of Grimwade’s behavior over several years.
Chief Constable Meynell stated, “This is at a time when policing is under considerable national scrutiny through high-profile cases where there has been a failing to prevent or protect women and girls from abuse and violence.”
She emphasized that Grimwade’s actions occurred against the backdrop of public concern about the attitude of police officers towards women and girls, particularly referencing a woman involved in the Sarah Everard vigil.
The dismissal of Inspector Grimwade sends a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable within the police force. Chief Constable Meynell underscored the importance of maintaining standards, especially for someone in a position of responsibility like an Inspector, who is expected to serve as a role model for junior officers and staff.
Inspector Grimwade has been dismissed from Nottinghamshire Police and placed on the Barred List.
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