Met Police faces watchdog probe after BBC exposes officer misconduct

Shiva Dhakal
National Press Corporation(NPC)

United Kingdom-The Metropolitan Police has suspended nine officers and referred itself to the watchdog after a BBC Panorama investigation uncovered allegations of serious misconduct at Charing Cross police station.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it is investigating the actions of 11 serving or former officers and one staff member, accused of misconduct between August 2024 and January 2025. The claims include the excessive use of force, discriminatory and misogynistic remarks, and failing to report or challenge inappropriate behaviour.

The Met said nine officers had been suspended, while two others have been moved away from frontline duties. Those under investigation range in rank from constable to sergeant. One of the officers has since transferred to another force, which has also referred them to the IOPC.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist described the alleged behaviour as “disgraceful” and announced the force was taking “immediate steps to dismantle the current custody team at the station, significantly changing leadership in our custody and Westminster command”. He added that wider cultural failings were also being reviewed by senior leaders and the Professional Standards Directorate.

IOPC director Amanda Rowe said the allegations were “concerning” and understood to be of “public concern, particularly in light of our previous investigation into similar misconduct at the same police station”.

The Charing Cross station has been at the centre of repeated scandals. In 2022, the IOPC uncovered evidence of racist, misogynistic and homophobic messages in a WhatsApp group among officers there — findings that contributed to the resignation of Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick.

This latest case will once again raise questions about the culture and leadership inside Britain’s largest police force, and whether enough has been done to restore public confidence following a series of damaging scandals.

Sources: Prepared with the help of bbc news .