Detective Constable Mark Luker, who responded to the 2017 London Bridge terror attack, was sacked over messages that displayed gross misconduct. He used the term 'pikey' and made jokes in a WhatsApp conversation that linked theft to the Irish Traveller community, which led to significant public concern about the values held by law enforcement. The misconduct panel emphasized that such language is unacceptable for officers who represent public safety and trust.

In his defense, Luker referenced a scene from the film 'Snatch' to justify his use of the term 'dags,' which was criticized by the panel for its irrelevance in a professional context. The panel's conclusion underscores the heightened expectations and responsibility that police officers have in their communications, especially following high-profile incidents like the London Bridge attack that scrutinize their actions and public demeanor. The dismissal represents a broader societal issue regarding the treatment and language used towards marginalized communities.

This case highlights the ongoing challenge within law enforcement to address biases and ensure that officers are held accountable for their conduct. The implications extend beyond this single incident, reflecting the need for continuous training and sensitivity in dealing with diverse communities, as trust in the police can easily be undermined by such instances of misconduct.