Home / Crime and Justice / Officer Pins Photo: Gross Misconduct Ruling
Officer Pins Photo: Gross Misconduct Ruling
29 Jun
Summary
- Officer found guilty of gross misconduct for pinning photos.
- Homophobia motive ruled out, declared a practical joke.
- Inspector felt stalked and feared escalation.
A former detective constable has been ruled guilty of gross misconduct for his actions involving photographs of a police inspector. Casper Bangert admitted to damaging the inspector's photograph on five separate occasions between July and November 2024, using drawing pins.
Bangert stated his intent was a "practical joke" to raise morale, not homophobia, as alleged. The panel found no evidence that Bangert knew the inspector was gay at the time and thus ruled out homophobia as a motive. Despite this, the inspector reported feeling "stalked" and feared the situation would escalate.
The panel considered Bangert's positive character references and lack of prior disciplinary issues. He has the right to appeal the gross misconduct finding.
