Officer Sacked for Gross Misconduct Over Offensive Remarks
A police officer, who was among the first responders to the harrowing 2017 London Bridge terror attack, has been dismissed from duty for gross misconduct following the use of offensive language in private messages. The tribunal heard that Detective Constable Mark Luker, a British Transport Police officer, employed derogatory terms when referring to Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities.
The offensive remarks were uncovered during an inquiry into messages exchanged within a WhatsApp group named ‘Selbie Gumshoes’, which comprised members of the Major Serious and Organised Crime (MSOC) team.
A Pattern of Offensive Language
The tribunal detailed several instances where DC Luker used language deemed discriminatory and deeply inappropriate for a police officer.
The term ‘pikey’ and its association with theft: In one WhatsApp exchange on December 31, 2024, the conversation revolved around the unusual win of a whiskey bottle still bearing a security tag. DC Luker queried if the win occurred on a “certain kind of site” with “lots of mobile-type homes” and “lots of ‘Dags?'”. He then proceeded to label himself as the “MSOC pikey liaison.” The panel concluded that these messages deliberately linked the Irish Traveller community to acts of theft. The reference to ‘dags’ was explained as a nod to a scene in the Guy Ritchie film Snatch, where a character’s accent makes it difficult to understand his mention of dogs.
Stereotyping through ‘scrap metal’ references: Further evidence presented to the panel involved a message on March 17, 2025. Following a shared video of a “Paddy Day parade on Inishbofin,” described as akin to a “Disney World Parade,” DC Luker responded with: “Off to find some scrap metal, lead roofing and cable.” The tribunal found this to be a deliberate and discriminatory remark, reinforcing negative stereotypes by associating the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community with theft. DC Luker admitted that this was a joke intended to link theft with the Irish Traveller community.
Context and Mitigation Attempts
During the proceedings, DC Luker highlighted his role as one of the first officers on the scene of the 2017 London Bridge attack. He presented his use of humour as a coping mechanism for dealing with the traumatic events he witnessed. He maintained that his intention in using the word ‘pikey’ was not to offend, and the panel accepted that he was not “inherently racist.”
The Panel’s Verdict: Gross Misconduct
Despite the mitigating arguments, the disciplinary panel found that DC Luker’s actions constituted gross misconduct. They concluded that, given his experience as a police officer accustomed to interacting with a diverse range of individuals, it was highly probable that he would have been aware that his language was particularly offensive when directed at members of a minority community. The panel ruled that his messages were “deliberate” and “clearly link the Irish Traveller community to acts of theft,” and “deliberate and discriminatory” in their harmful stereotyping.
The decision to dismiss DC Luker underscores the importance of maintaining professional conduct and upholding public trust, even in private communications. The use of derogatory language by law enforcement officers can have a significant and damaging impact on community relations and the perception of justice.
