Nine serving Metropolitan Police officers have been suspended following an investigation into allegations of excessive use of force, discriminatory comments, and misogyny. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed the allegations centre on Charing Cross police station in central London, which was previously at the heart of a WhatsApp scandal involving offensive messages.
The investigation covers 11 current or former Met officers and one staff member, including nine serving officers, a former officer, and a serving detention officer. Ranks range from police constable to sergeant. The alleged misconduct occurred both on and off duty between August 2024 and January 2025, with claims of excessive force while on duty, discriminatory and misogynistic comments, and failure to report or challenge inappropriate behaviour.
The Met said the allegations, if true, amount to “criminality and misconduct” and would be “disgraceful”. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist stated that nine officers were suspended within 24 hours of the allegations being assessed, and two others were removed from frontline duties. The force has dismantled the current custody team at Charing Cross and made significant leadership changes in custody command and the Westminster borough leadership team.
This follows an IOPC report in 2022 that revealed officers sharing graphic messages about violence against women, racist comments, and Holocaust denial, mainly from Charing Cross station. That scandal contributed to the departure of former Met Commissioner Cressida Dick. Her successor, Mark Rowley, has pledged to transform the force's culture.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he was “appalled” by the claims, stressing zero tolerance for sexism, racism, and misogyny. IOPC Director Amanda Rowe acknowledged public concern given the previous investigation and promised a robust, independent inquiry.
