Police officer sacked and added to 'barred list' after making anti-trans comments

A Northumbria Police detective who referred to trans women as “c**ks in frocks” has been dismissed for gross misconduct and permanently barred from serving as a police officer.

Former Detective Constable Rachel Fletcher was found guilty of gross misconduct following a disciplinary hearing that examined a series of comments she made about both trans women and men while serving with Northumbria Police. The panel concluded that her conduct breached professional standards relating to equality and diversity, authority, respect and courtesy, and discreditable conduct. 

The hearing heard that Fletcher had described trans women using the derogatory phrase and was also accused of making comments suggesting that “all men are rapists” and should be subject to a curfew. The panel found the allegations proven and determined that her actions amounted to gross misconduct. 

Following the ruling, Fletcher was dismissed without notice and placed on the College of Policing's barred list, preventing her from working as a police officer in England and Wales in future. 

The decision has been welcomed by LGBTQ+ campaigners, who say police officers must be held to the highest standards when it comes to treating trans people with dignity and respect.

In its ruling, the panel acknowledged Fletcher's previous service record and heard evidence from character witnesses who described her as hardworking and committed. Nevertheless, it concluded that dismissal was the only appropriate outcome, citing the discriminatory nature of the proven conduct and concerns about public confidence in policing. 

Supporters of the ruling argue that trans people, like all members of the public, deserve to know that officers entrusted with protecting their communities will treat them fairly and respectfully. They say accountability in cases involving discriminatory conduct is essential if public institutions are to maintain the trust of the diverse communities they serve.