The head of the Metropolitan Police has vowed to purge the force of officers guilty of racism, misogyny or abuse of power ahead of a damning BBC Panorama exposé. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised for what he called the “reprehensible and completely unacceptable” behaviour of some officers based at Charing Cross police station.
The allegations have prompted the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to launch an inquiry into 11 current and former officers for potential gross misconduct. One constable was also under criminal investigation on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. The alleged incidents are said to have taken place both on and off duty between August 2024 and January 2025.
According to investigators, messages shared by officers included anti-Muslim slurs and expressions of support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Allegations also include excessive use of force, misogynistic comments and a failure to report or challenge inappropriate behaviour.
In response, the entire Charing Cross custody team has been disbanded and redeployed.
Those under investigation include nine serving officers, one former officer and a designated detention officer.
“There is no place in policing for anyone who betrays the values of integrity, fairness and respect,” Sir Mark said.
Speaking out ahead of the BBC programme, set to be broadcast on Wednesday night, he said it was likely all officers found guilty of misconduct would be sacked within weeks.
Sir Mark said: “Officers behaving in such appalling, criminal ways, let down our communities and will cause some to question if their sons and daughters are safe in our cells, and whether they would be believed and respected as victims of crime.
“For that, I am truly sorry.
“In line with our uncompromising approach, within 48 hours of these allegations being received, nine officers and one staff member had been suspended, with two more officers removed from frontline duties.
“It’s my expectation that for those involved, where there is incontrovertible evidence of racism, misogyny, anti-Muslim sentiment or bragging about excessive use of force, they will be put on a fast-track hearing within weeks and on a path to likely dismissal.”
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said he has confidence in the commissioner’s efforts to tackle misconduct, adding he is “disgusted and appalled” by the alleged behaviour.
Nine officers at the centre of the claims have been suspended while the IOPC inquiry continues.
Sir Mark took up the post three years ago tasked with cleaning up the force at arguably one of the most troubled times in its history.
He vowed to kick wrongdoers out of the Met after Sarah Everard was murdered by serving officer Wayne Couzens, and another officer, David Carrick, was unmasked as a serial rapist.
Paula Dodds, chairwoman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: “If officers are proven to be guilty of criminal offences or serious gross misconduct, then we do not want these individuals in the job.
“But all police officers – like all people – have the right to representation and due process, and not trial by media or documentary. Or indeed senior officers or politicians.”
Separate, earlier allegations linked to Charing Cross police station led to Sir Mark’s predecessor, Dame Cressida Dick, leaving her job, after Sir Sadiq said he could no longer support her.
A 2022 report by the IOPC found officers had exchanged highly offensive messages, including repeated jokes about rape, domestic violence and violent racism, as well as homophobic language and derogatory terms for disabled people.