A POLICE officer has been sacked for sending inappropriate and offensive messages to two of his colleagues.

PC Frank Katus was officially dismissed from his road policing officer role at Wiltshire Police after a three-day hearing at the force's headquarters in Devizes.

The hearing, which was chaired by an Independent Legally Qualified Chair, concluded that the actions of PC Katus breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for police officers of authority, respect and courtesy, equality and diversity and discreditable conduct.

Wiltshire Police has confirmed that he was sacked because he sent unwanted, inappropriate and offensive messages to two police colleagues in January and February last year.

Deputy chief constable at Wiltshire Police Craig Dibdin said: “PC Katus’ actions fell well below the high standards of professionalism that we, and the public, expect from all police officers, staff and volunteers.

“When details of his behaviour were reported to us, he was immediately suspended from his role and an investigation commenced.

“There is no place within our organisation for anyone who conducts themselves in this inappropriate manner and PC Katus will now be placed on the national barred list which means he will not be able to work in policing in the future.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the complainants who have supported the investigation.

"We encourage all members of our organisation to use an anonymous reporting tool if they have concerns regarding a colleagues behaviour to help ensure we have a positive, supportive and inclusive culture for the benefit of our colleagues, and ultimately our communities we serve.”

In December Wiltshire Police launched a new Safe2Say Anonymous Reporting System which helps give officers, staff and volunteers the confidence to report any wrongdoing or concerns they have within the police force.