Vaud cantonal court annuls immediate dismissals of two Lausanne police officers
The Court of Administrative and Public Law of the canton of Vaud has annulled the dismissals without notice of two Lausanne police officers who had exchanged racist and sexist messages on WhatsApp.
Vaud cantonal court annuls immediate dismissals of two Lausanne police officers
Two Lausanne police officers, dismissed without notice for having engaged in shocking conversations on WhatsApp, are regaining their employment. On 2 July, the Court of Administrative and Public Law (CDAP) of the canton of Vaud quashed their immediate suspension in two judgements made public on Tuesday, as indicated by Le Temps.
These officers had shared racist and sexist content and images over several years within a discussion group. The scandal broke on 25 August 2025 during a press conference that provoked outrage in Francophone Switzerland. The Municipality of Lausanne subsequently decided to remove four members of the police force from their duties.
The cantonal court recognised the grave and reprehensible nature of the writings. It acknowledged that such conduct could legitimately justify an immediate breach of contract, as it damages the credibility of people invested with public authority in the eyes of the population and the administration.
Nevertheless, the magistrates found that the municipal authority had waited too long to formally notify the two individuals concerned of the effective confirmation of their dismissal. This procedural failure resulted in the invalidation of the dismissal decisions.
The municipal councillor in charge of security, Pierre-Antoine Hildbrand, indicated that he would ask his colleagues to bring the matter before the Federal Court. He wishes the country's highest judicial instance to rule on this matter.
Source: Le Temps