Police officer sacked for using racist language in Newcastle takeaway

Officers must not 'compromise or damage' force's relationship with community, says boss

Katie Barratt was waiting for a pizza when she made the comments (File photo) (Google Street View)

A police officer has been sacked for using racist language on a night out.

Pc Katie Barratt, of Northumbria Police, was ruled by a disciplinary panel to have used derogatory terms about takeaway staff while she was drunk and waiting for a pizza.

She made the remarks to colleagues in a shop in Newcastle but was not heard by the workers.

Superior officers were informed about what she had said and an investigation was launched.

PC Barratt was sacked following a misconduct hearing at Houghton police station in Tyne and Wear.

After the case, Detective Superintendent Sav Patsalos, head of Northumbria Police's professional standards department, said: "The language used by PC Katie Barratt is wholly unacceptable.

"I want to make it absolutely clear that there is no place for this type of language or any other form of racist behaviour within Northumbria Police.

"This was recognised by a colleague who rightly came forward to report the comments, reflecting the culture within the force where people have the confidence to speak up and challenge unacceptable behaviour."

He added: "We expect officers and staff to maintain the highest levels of professionalism at all times and as such they must not compromise or damage our strong relationships with the communities we serve.

"I want to assure the public that we are committed to taking positive action in those instances where individuals fall below the expected standards of behaviour."

PA