A Metropolitan Police officer has been found guilty of gross misconduct in a dramatic disciplinary hearing that exposed disturbing behaviour during the arrest of a mother on a London bus.
PC Anika Sood, attached to the Central South Command Unit, was recorded on body-worn video using derogatory language toward the woman, including calling her a "daft cow" during the controversial incident in Tooting, south London.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
The confrontation unfolded on September 28, 2022, when officers approached the woman following reports of fare evasion. What began as a routine check escalated dramatically when the woman, who was travelling with her young child, refused to provide her details.
Bodycam footage presented to the misconduct hearing revealed PC Sood telling her colleague: "Just arrest her... she's being a daft cow." The officer then proceeded to handcuff the woman while she was still holding her child.
Panel Delivers Damning Verdict
The independent disciplinary panel found PC Sood's actions constituted gross misconduct on two counts, determining she had breached professional standards of behaviour and displayed a lack of respect and courtesy.
Panel chair James O'Connell delivered a stern assessment, stating the officer's language was "unprofessional and derogatory" and that her decision to arrest the woman for fare evasion was "not reasonable or proportionate."
Systemic Issues Exposed
This case has raised broader concerns about police conduct in London, particularly regarding interactions with members of the public during minor incidents. The use of derogatory language and the decision to arrest a mother holding her child for an alleged bus fare offence has sparked debate about appropriate police responses.
The Metropolitan Police Service now faces questions about training and professional standards as this incident adds to ongoing scrutiny of police behaviour in the capital.
The ruling means PC Sood could face dismissal from the force, with a separate hearing scheduled to determine her final sanction. The case continues to generate significant public interest as authorities grapple with restoring confidence in policing standards.
