Fast-track misconduct hearings for Charing Cross officers

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has decided 10 officers who were based at Charing Cross police station should face accelerated misconduct hearings.

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:

“I have been very clear from the outset that I wanted to see all those responsible for this appalling behaviour facing gross misconduct hearings at the earliest opportunity. They have no place in the Met.

“After watching Panorama last week and seeing the behaviour for myself, I requested the early consideration of accelerated misconduct hearings, and I welcome the IOPC’s decision to pursue this course of action.

“We have worked together to deliver this uncompromising approach at greater speed than ever before and the hearings will take place by the end of the month.

“Londoners would expect nothing less and for those found responsible to be exited from the Met and off the payroll as soon as possible.

“Within 48 hours of the allegations being received from Panorama, nine officers and one staff member had been suspended, with two more officers removed from frontline duties. I am extremely grateful for the swift enquiries undertaken by the IOPC since the investigation was referred to them.

“We have since disbanded the custody team at Charing Cross, made changes to local leadership and have begun wider work to identify any other areas of concern in detention teams across the Met. More action will follow.

“This comes in the context of the biggest corruption clear-out in British policing history, which has seen more than 1,400 officers and staff leave the Met in the last three years.

“Much more work will be required to redress the systemic, cultural, leadership and regulatory failings that have allowed misogyny, racism, anti-Muslim hate and a lack of public service ethos to put down deep roots.

“While there are no quick fixes, I will be relentless in working with the good majority of our people to bring this about.”