A Gloucestershire Police officer who used a homophobic slur while searching for two vulnerable missing children has been found guilty of gross misconduct but avoided dismissal. PC Ashley Reid admitted to uttering the derogatory term in a moment of frustration when the children ran away from him during an incident in Coleford on October 8, 2024.
The misconduct hearing, held on May 28, 2024, revealed that the offensive language was overheard clearly by another police officer, a social worker, and the children involved. PC Reid immediately apologized and demonstrated genuine remorse for his actions, acknowledging the offensive nature of the language used.
With 14 years of service, PC Reid was found to have breached professional standards relating to Authority, Respect and Courtesy, and Discreditable Conduct. As a result, he received a final written warning, which will remain on his record for two years. This warning signifies a serious disciplinary action and serves as the last step before potential dismissal.
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Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson, chairing the panel, emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust and safeguarding vulnerable individuals. He stated, “The use of homophobic language is unacceptable and incompatible with the role of a police officer. However, this was an isolated incident—a single word uttered in the heat of the moment, immediately followed by a sincere apology.”
The panel noted that the comment was not targeted or planned against any individual or group. Considering the context and the officer’s remorse, the final written warning was deemed an appropriate and proportionate response.
A detailed report of the hearing’s evidence and decisions will be published on Gloucestershire Police’s website in due course.