Update following internal investigation into alleged racial discrimination against officer in Bury

We have determined that nine officers have a case to answer for gross misconduct following an internal investigation into alleged racial discrimination against an officer on the Bury district.

Our Professional Standards Directorate launched an investigation in July 2024 after a report was made that an officer had been subjected to racist remarks by some colleagues in December 2023.

We suspended eight officers who remain off duty. A ninth officer has been restricted from working in Bury during our investigation.

Work is ongoing to set a date for a misconduct hearing at the earliest available opportunity.

We are aware of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)’s separate investigation into an unrelated incident involving seven officers on the Bury district – five of whom remain suspended. We remain fully engaged in supporting the IOPC’s enquiries.

The allegations that were made last summer were deeply concerning and we have acted sensitively and investigated thoroughly to ensure that these matters are properly addressed.

Both victims continue to receive our full support. We have worked extensively with officers, staff and the community in Bury to improve cultural awareness and ensure that GMP is the best it can be for the public that is serves.

Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Allen, head of professional standards, said: “The GMP and IOPC investigations relate to deeply concerning allegations into racist remarks about two officers in unrelated incidents. We have conducted a thorough investigation and have fully supported the IOPC with their work, too.

“Ensuring we uphold the highest standards of professional behaviour across GMP is essential, and it is only right that when matters such as these are reported to us, we take all necessary action. We now await the outcomes of these ongoing proceedings.”

Chief Superintendent Kirsty Oliver, district commander for Bury, said: “Since being aware of these allegations last summer, I have shared the shock and concern shown by my officers, staff, and the local community.

“I thank the community for the engagement they have done with us to ensure we have the best culture possible and are a local police team that Bury’s diverse communities can identify with and be proud of.

“We have worked tirelessly to ensure that the necessary action from our professional standards team has not impacted on our day-to-day service to the people of Bury. We have continued to attend all emergency and priority incidents on time, and are getting more justice for victims of crimes such as personal theft and burglary to keep our town safe.”