A NORTH Wales copper is to be disciplined for alleged racist behaviour following the BBC's Secret Policeman programme.
Keith Cheshire, of Wrexham, has been formally told the force plans to take action over comments he made in the undercover TV investigation which exposed racism among new recruits at the National Police Training Centre, near Warrington.
One North Wales officer and several from Cheshire and Greater Manchester have already quit following the programme.
PC Cheshire is expected to learn within the next few weeks how the force will deal with him.
He could be dealt with through the probationary system - which would allow the force to sack him without redress for being unlikely to make a competent officer.
Alternatively, the force could deal with him through the formal disciplinary process.
That would take longer and is thought to be less likely.
PC Cheshire was filmed on the documentary claiming he would call anyone of an Indian nature "a Paki". But he also told colleagues one of his best friends is black.
The former plumber has told the Daily Post he would not consider himself to be racist in any way.
North Wales Police's professional standards unit investigation into PC Cheshire is under-stood to have been delayed by problems obtaining unseen footage from the BBC.
He is currently suspended on full pay. PC Cheshire will eventually be told his fate by one of the force's top officers - most likely chief constable Richard Brunstrom.
He is being backed by the Police Federation which represents rank-and-file officers.
North Wales Police deputy chief constable Clive Wolfendale said last night: "The investigation is continuing into PC Cheshire with the aid of new material recently supplied from the BBC."
The programme, broadcast on October 21, led to the immediate resignation of 23-year-old Rhyl-based PC Rob Pulling.
The Police Complaints Authority is investigating his case and he could face criminal charges.
