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The recent BBC Panorama investigation has resulted in the dismissal of a fourth Metropolitan Police officer for gross misconduct. PC Jason Sinclair-Birt was caught on undercover footage boasting about and reveling in the use of excessive force on a detainee. The officer was found to have given a false account of the incident to the undercover reporter, claiming it was all done for comedic effect. Three other Met Police officers were also dismissed after accelerated misconduct hearings following the investigation.
During the hearing, James Berry KC, representing the Met, highlighted how the Panorama footage showed PC Sinclair-Birt bragging about using excessive force on the detainee. In the footage, the officer described the arrest, admitting to hitting the back of the detainee’s legs in an attempt to make him drop to the floor. He was also seen smiling during the incident, indicating a lack of remorse or concern. The panel concluded that his behavior breached professional standards and amounted to gross misconduct.
Despite denying the allegations, PC Sinclair-Birt admitted to making the comments that appeared in the program, insisting they were embellished for comedic effect. Body-worn footage from the incident showed that the officer did not use his baton and employed lawful and proportionate force to get the detainee to sit down. Chair Commander Jason Prins, in delivering the decision, emphasized the seriousness of sharing false accounts that glorify the use of force.
In response to the investigation, Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley expressed gratitude for Panorama’s work but criticized the BBC for delaying the disclosure of unaired footage. The delays resulted in adjournments and unnecessary complications in the ongoing hearings. The misconduct process was initiated after the Panorama program aired, revealing disturbing behavior at Charing Cross police station. Several officers are facing expedited misconduct hearings over threats, dismissals of serious claims, and the use of excessive force captured in the footage
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