Two officers, based at Brighton and Hove, are being investigated for gross misconduct in relation to their use of social media.
The allegation is particularly upsetting as it relates to Operation Bowdell, the response to the tragic Shoreham air crash.
It relates to a private message allegedly sent to a colleague who immediately reported the incident for investigation by our Professional Standards Department.
Deputy Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney said: "I cannot emphasise how upset I am that we are investigating such an allegation.
"My colleagues have informed the victims' families and apologised to them for the unnecessary distress it will undoubtedly cause them.
"They are disappointed as we all are. Such an allegation impacts on everyone who was affected by the crash and detracts from the professionalism of hundreds of colleagues who have worked so tirelessly on this operation. All our efforts are focused on providing the families with the answers they are looking for.
"I encourage my officers and staff to report any alleged behaviour that is below the standard expected, and that is what has happened here. We need to follow processes in relation to disciplinary matters. The officers, who are quite new in service, have not been suspended as I want them to work to earn their pay while this is investigated. In the meantime they have been assigned duties away from public contact."
--- Note to readers: This message has been disseminated by Sussex Police - please visit their official website for further information. Reported by Sussex Police 11 hours ago.
The allegation is particularly upsetting as it relates to Operation Bowdell, the response to the tragic Shoreham air crash.
It relates to a private message allegedly sent to a colleague who immediately reported the incident for investigation by our Professional Standards Department.
Deputy Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney said: "I cannot emphasise how upset I am that we are investigating such an allegation.
"My colleagues have informed the victims' families and apologised to them for the unnecessary distress it will undoubtedly cause them.
"They are disappointed as we all are. Such an allegation impacts on everyone who was affected by the crash and detracts from the professionalism of hundreds of colleagues who have worked so tirelessly on this operation. All our efforts are focused on providing the families with the answers they are looking for.
"I encourage my officers and staff to report any alleged behaviour that is below the standard expected, and that is what has happened here. We need to follow processes in relation to disciplinary matters. The officers, who are quite new in service, have not been suspended as I want them to work to earn their pay while this is investigated. In the meantime they have been assigned duties away from public contact."
--- Note to readers: This message has been disseminated by Sussex Police - please visit their official website for further information. Reported by Sussex Police 11 hours ago.