Overview
- Salmons was suspended after a diversity training session in October 2024 when he asked a Muslim colleague about Hamas and the meaning of 'jihad' and colleagues reported finding a book in his locker.
- A disciplinary panel in July 2025 found gross misconduct and added him to the College of Policing barred list, but Chief Constable Tim Forber overturned that dismissal on appeal in December 2025.
- North Yorkshire Police and Salmons reached an out-of-court settlement in April 2026 following employment tribunal proceedings, and Salmons says he has not received an apology and now works for a homelessness charity at a lower salary.
- The force says it acted after colleagues raised concerns and that expression must follow force values, while the Christian Legal Centre argued the case shows failures of leadership and limits on lawful questioning.
- The case highlights tensions over how police diversity training treats questions about religion, the role of the College of Policing barred list in careers, and possible political and oversight pressure on force procedures.