Metropolitan Police Detective Dismissed Following Gross Misconduct Findings
A Metropolitan Police detective has been dismissed from the force after it was revealed that he engaged sex workers and used Class A drugs during multiple trips abroad over a seven-year period. Detective Constable Pervaz Malik, who was assigned to the central west command unit, was found to have organised sex workers for himself and others, and both used and facilitated the purchase of Class A drugs between 2016 and August 2023.
Disciplinary Panel Condemns Officer's Actions
A disciplinary panel concluded on Tuesday that DC Malik's actions constituted gross misconduct, representing a significant breach of professional behaviour standards. The panel determined that his conduct was in clear violation of his obligations to safeguard the public and the strict rules governing drug use within the police force.
Detective Chief Superintendent Chrissy Jessah, who oversees policing in central west London, strongly condemned the officer's conduct. She stated that police officers play a vital role in protecting individuals who are at heightened risk of violence and exploitation, and any deviation from that duty represents a serious breach of public trust.
Arrest and Subsequent Investigation
Malik was arrested at London's Stansted Airport on 15 August 2023 on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs. However, the Crown Prosecution Service subsequently closed the case, taking no further action. He was suspended from duty following his arrest and remained so until the misconduct hearing this week.
During the investigation, Malik also refused to provide the access code for his mobile phone in February 2024, further complicating the criminal investigation into his activities.
Consequences and Barred List Placement
The Metropolitan Police stated that the action against Malik was part of the force's ongoing drive to raise standards and root out officers who have no place in policing. As a result of the disciplinary findings, Malik will now be added to the barred list.
Those on the barred list cannot be employed by police forces, local policing bodies, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, or the Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services. This measure ensures that individuals found guilty of gross misconduct cannot continue working in law enforcement roles.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jessah emphasized that Malik's conduct was wholly unacceptable and fell significantly short of the standards expected by both the organization and the public. She noted that Malik would have been fully aware that he was acting in clear violation of his professional obligations, making his actions particularly egregious.
