A Greater Manchester Police sergeant has been dismissed following a disciplinary hearing that revealed deeply offensive WhatsApp messages. Sergeant Natalie Dolan, responsible for training new recruits, was found guilty of gross misconduct after a four-day investigation into her online communications.

Gross Misconduct Findings

The hearing focused on an 18-month exchange with a former trainee, PC Jones, uncovering messages considered discriminatory and unprofessional. While allegations of racism and sexism were not substantiated, the panel determined Dolan’s comments regarding disability and colleagues were a serious breach of standards.

Offensive Messages Detailed

Specifically, Dolan made a disparaging comparison between the competence of new recruits and Harvey Price, Katie Price’s son who lives with disabilities, suggesting they ‘need to be read to like Harvey Price’. She also used the derogatory term ‘sp*ckers’ and referred to recruits as ‘lickers’, described as a ‘horrible’ way to mock individuals with disabilities.

Defense and Panel Decision

Dolan’s legal counsel, Jennifer Ferrario, attempted to defend the comments, claiming the ‘Harvey’ comment referenced a social media GIF and ‘licker’ was a typographical error. The panel rejected these explanations, concluding the language was undeniably mocking and discriminatory.

Broader Pattern of Unprofessional Conduct

The investigation revealed 23 messages containing ‘disparaging or offensive’ comments about fellow officers and 4 messages ridiculing student officers under her training. Dolan had previously used abusive language towards the Chief Constable, Sir Stephen Watson.

Response and Outcome

Katie Price responded to the verdict with a strong statement on social media, condemning the officer’s actions and highlighting the unacceptable targeting of vulnerable individuals. She pledged to continue fighting against such behaviour.

Despite Dolan’s 25 years of service and claims of frustration with new recruits, the panel deemed her behaviour incompatible with continued service. The prosecution, led by Stephen Morley, had initially alleged racist and sexist comments, but the panel found insufficient evidence for these specific charges.

However, the confirmed instances of ableism and gross misconduct led to Dolan’s immediate dismissal. The disciplinary panel, chaired by GMP’s Chief Resource Officer Lee Rawlinson, emphasized the breach of integrity and equality. Rawlinson described her behaviour as a ‘serious departure from expected ethical standards’.

The panel also criticized Dolan for failing to address inappropriate conversations and sharing confidential trainee information. Morley argued dismissal was the only appropriate sanction, while Ferrario advocated for a final written warning or demotion.

Ultimately, the panel sided with the prosecution. In addition to her dismissal, Dolan has been added to the College of Policing barring list, ending her career in law enforcement. A statement from DS Dave Jones of GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate affirmed the force’s commitment to a professional and respectful working environment.