A former North Yorkshire Police community support officer has reached a legal settlement with the force after claiming he was forced out of his job and wrongly barred from policing following questions he asked during diversity and cultural awareness training.
Luke Salmons, who served as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), brought legal action against the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police, alleging religious discrimination and breaches of his rights to freedom of religion and expression.
The case, supported by the Christian Legal Centre, was settled on confidential terms before reaching an Employment Tribunal hearing.
The dispute centred on training sessions held in autumn 2024 as part of a programme designed to help develop force policy on race, religion and culture.
Mr Salmons told Christian Concern he was encouraged to ask challenging questions in what was described as a “safe space” environment.
He said the training at the police headquarters in Northallerton became an “indoctrination” session where trainers chanted “Islam is a religion of peace” and discussed white privilege.
He said he raised questions about Islam, the conflict in Gaza and the meaning of “jihad” during discussions led by a Muslim police sergeant.
According to Mr Salmons, the conversations were respectful and the officer later invited him to continue the discussion informally.
However, Mr Salmons was suspended in October 2024 following concerns raised by colleagues about his behaviour during training sessions. He later resigned while still suspended, citing the impact the process was having on him and his family.
Despite his resignation, a disciplinary panel found him guilty of gross misconduct in July 2025 and placed him on the College of Policing barred list, preventing him from working in policing.
Mr Salmons appealed the decision and the appeal was upheld by Chief Constable Tim Forber, who concluded that while some colleagues had felt uncomfortable during discussions, the conduct did not amount to gross misconduct or a breach of professional standards. As a result, Mr Salmons was removed from the barred list.
Speaking after the settlement, Mr Salmons said the process had been “devastating” for his family and claimed he had been punished for asking legitimate questions during training.
North Yorkshire Police said it is “an inclusive employer and respects the rights of all individuals to their beliefs” and that expressions of those beliefs must be made with “respect and courtesy” in line with force values.
The force said concerns about Mr Salmons’ behaviour had been raised by multiple colleagues and referred to Professional Standards in October 2024. It stressed that cultural awareness training covers a range of faiths and beliefs and “does not involve chanting or religious indoctrination”.
North Yorkshire Police added that cultural awareness training helps officers understand the diverse communities they serve and ensures policing is delivered “without fear or favour”. The force also highlighted recent improvements recognised by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and said it remains committed to equality, inclusion and delivering the best possible service to communities across York and North Yorkshire.
Be the first to comment