Nine police officers stationed at a precinct where previous incidents involving inappropriate behavior towards women occurred have been suspended following accusations of engaging in racist, homophobic, and misogynistic conduct. The officers, ranging from constables to sergeants, are also alleged to have used excessive force on detainees. The suspensions come after an undercover investigation by the BBC in the custody suite at Charing Cross police station in central London.
The reported incidents are said to have taken place while the officers were both on and off duty between August 2024 and January 2025, according to the police watchdog. Charing Cross police station was previously embroiled in scandals that led to the resignation of former commissioner Dame Cressida Dick in February 2022.
A previous report by the Independent Office for Police Conduct revealed that officers at the same station had exchanged highly offensive messages, including jokes about rape, domestic violence, racism, homophobic language, and derogatory terms for disabled individuals. The new allegations coincide with the third anniversary of Sir Mark Rowley becoming commissioner with a mandate to address concerns about the organizational culture.
The IOPC recently announced an investigation into the conduct of nine serving Metropolitan Police officers, a former officer, and a serving detention officer following a referral from the Met. Additionally, another force referred a former Met officer, previously stationed at Charing Cross, for misconduct.
In response to the allegations, Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist condemned the reported behavior as disgraceful. He stated that nine officers were suspended within 24 hours of the allegations surfacing, and two others were removed from active duty. Steps are being taken to overhaul the custody team at Charing Cross police station to ensure high standards and address leadership and cultural issues within the teams.
Mr. Twist emphasized the Met’s commitment to eliminating misconduct within the organization, pledging to remove individuals who do not align with the standards expected of police officers. The Police Federation England & Wales expressed deep concern over the reported behavior, highlighting the significant impact it has on public trust in law enforcement.
The IOPC’s 2022 report detailed disturbing instances of misconduct, including officers boasting about violent and discriminatory actions. The report cited instances of domestic violence, derogatory language towards marginalized groups, and explicit comments towards women.
The IOPC is actively investigating the latest allegations and has requested crucial information to support their inquiries. The Met’s swift response and cooperation with the investigation signal a commitment to upholding accountability and restoring public confidence in the police force.
