Charing Cross: Met Police officers investigated by IOPC

Charing Cross: Met Police officers investigated by IOPC

An investigation conducted by BBC Panorama into racism and misogyny at Charing Cross police station has resulted in misconduct hearings for ten Metropolitan Police officers, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The investigation uncovered officers calling for immigrants to be shot, displaying a fondness for using force, and showing a dismissive attitude towards rape claims. Due to the sufficient evidence of professional standards breaches, the IOPC has expedited the misconduct process.

Rachel Watson, the director general of the police watchdog, expressed her shock at the report and declared that immediate actions would be taken to facilitate the dismissal of the officers at the earliest opportunity. She emphasized that the upcoming hearings would serve as a stern warning against the unacceptable behavior exhibited in the documentary. The IOPC announced that eight current Met officers, a former Met Police constable, and a police constable who relocated from London to serve with Gloucestershire Police will undergo accelerated disciplinary hearings.

Moreover, one of the officers, a police constable, remains under criminal investigation for allegedly perverting the course of justice. The IOPC is also investigating a designated detention officer for various offenses not covered in the accelerated disciplinary proceedings. In addition, an independent investigation has been initiated following the recent arrest of a serving Met sergeant based at Charing Cross on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stressed the importance of swiftly holding accountable those responsible for the reprehensible behavior exposed by the BBC.

BBC Panorama uncovered further distressing incidents, including an off-duty officer referring to Algerians and Somalians as “scum” and suggesting a migrant invasion of the UK. Another officer was overheard boasting about a colleague stamping on a detainee’s leg and callously laughing at the ensuing screams. Following the conclusion of the undercover reporting, the BBC presented a detailed list of allegations to the Met before publication. Consequently, the force suspended eight officers and one staff member, in addition to reassigning two officers from front-line duties

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