Commissioner Responds to Undercover Footage
Britain’s Police Chief has stated that officers who are racist, sexist, or violent will be removed from the force following alarming undercover revelations.
“Reprehensible” Behaviour Exposed
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley described the actions revealed in a BBC Panorama investigation as “reprehensible and completely unacceptable”.
Officers Facing Dismissal
Nine serving officers from Charing Cross police station, one of London’s busiest, are now suspended and facing possible dismissal. Allegations include racism, misogyny, excessive use of force, and inappropriate behaviour.
Criminal Offence Under Review
One police constable is separately under investigation for potentially perverting the course of justice, a serious criminal allegation.
Suspension and Watchdog Probe
The Met confirmed the officers were suspended pending a gross misconduct investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Wider Disciplinary Action
Two more individuals – a former Met officer and a civilian staff member – are also facing disciplinary charges that could result in permanent dismissal.
Commissioner’s Public Apology
Sir Mark admitted the revelations would damage public confidence in the police. “For that, I am truly sorry,” he said.
Promise of Swift Action
He added that where there is clear evidence of racism, misogyny, anti-Muslim sentiment or boasting about excessive force, those involved will be “fast-tracked” to hearings and likely dismissal.
Emergency Meeting Called
The commissioner is understood to have called an urgent meeting with chief inspectors and superintendents to reinforce disciplinary expectations across the Met.
One Officer Cleared
Another officer who appeared in the undercover programme has been told they will not face action, after it was concluded their behaviour did not breach professional standards.
Allegations Aired by Panorama
The undercover footage, to be broadcast on BBC One, was compiled by a journalist working inside the custody suite at Charing Cross station.
Excessive Force and Discrimination
The allegations include discriminatory remarks, misogynistic language, and the use of excessive force against detainees.
Timeframe of Incidents
The alleged misconduct took place both on and off duty between August 2024 and January 2025.
Evidence Review by Watchdog
Although the IOPC has not seen the undercover film, investigators have reviewed hours of CCTV footage from the custody suite and decided a full misconduct probe was necessary.
IOPC Statement
Amanda Rowe, director at the IOPC, said investigators were treating the allegations “extremely seriously” and would now be interviewing the officers.
Large-Scale Investigation
She added the inquiry was complex due to the amount of CCTV footage and number of individuals involved, but promised progress “as quickly as possible”.
Contact with Public Witnesses
Members of the public who had contact with the custody suite are being traced and informed of the investigation.
Evidence From BBC Requested
The IOPC has asked Panorama for access to its undercover recordings, which it says are crucial to the inquiry.
Commissioner’s Reform Mission
Sir Mark Rowley has pledged to root out misconduct since taking office, describing the crisis as “the biggest corruption clear-out in British policing history”.
Rising Dismissals
The commissioner said 11 officers and staff are now being removed from the Met every week – three times the previous rate.
Systemic Failings Acknowledged
He admitted the Met had suffered “systemic, cultural, leadership and regulatory failings” that allowed toxic behaviour to fester for years.
Previous Failures at Charing Cross
Three years ago, the IOPC issued warnings over bullying, discrimination and offensive social media posts by officers at the same Charing Cross station.
Watchdog’s Ongoing Concerns
Those recommendations led to reforms, but the watchdog says deep-rooted cultural problems remain.
Public Trust at Risk
The commissioner warned that public trust in policing depends on proving that officers who breach professional standards will face removal.
Panorama Broadcast
The Panorama programme investigating the Charing Cross officers was scheduled to air at 9pm on BBC One tonight.
Met Under Intense Scrutiny
The case adds to growing pressure on the Met, already under fire for past scandals, with calls for sweeping reform of British policing.
