Greater Manchester Police has suspended eight officers following reports of suspected racism.
GMP said on Monday it had placed the officer on restricted duty and reported the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The suspension is not related to an incident in which a GMP officer was suspended after a video of a man allegedly being kicked and stamped on in the head at Manchester Airport went viral.
Seven of the suspended officers are Bury area officers and one, from Rochdale, was working in Bury at the time the allegations were made.
The force said it had temporarily relocated officers to Bury to carry out operations and minimise disruption in the area.
GMP’s head of professional standards, Superintendent Mike Allen, said: “The reports we have received are extremely worrying and I would like to reassure the community of Bury, the general public and GMP staff that a full and thorough investigation is being carried out into these matters.”
This comes after GMP suspended five officers in the Bury area and placed two on restricted duty on July 17.
GMP also made a mandatory report to the IOPC about the incident on July 4 and the police watchdog began an investigation the following day.
The IOPC said the referral included allegations that officers “openly engaged in conversation and used offensive language or failed to challenge it”.
IOPC regional director Catherine Bates said: “Officers are expected to maintain exemplary standards of behaviour and professionalism.”
“This type of conduct not only impacts police officers acting in good faith, but has the potential to undermine public trust and confidence in the police.”
“We will conduct a thorough investigation to establish evidence and ensure any discriminatory behaviour is addressed appropriately.”
“This does not necessarily mean that conduct proceedings or criminal charges will be laid and the status of all officers will remain under review whilst investigations are ongoing.”
release date: Radio News Hub