Nine serving Metropolitan Police officers have been suspended following an investigation into allegations of excessive use of force and discriminatory, misogynistic comments. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed the allegations centre on Charing Cross police station in central London, a site previously linked to a major scandal involving offensive messages shared by officers.
The IOPC investigation covers 11 current or former Met officers and one staff member. The allegations, which span from August 2024 to January 2025, include excessive force, discriminatory and misogynistic remarks, and failures to report or challenge inappropriate behaviour, both on and off duty. The officers involved range from police constable to sergeant.
The Metropolitan Police stated that if the allegations are proven, they represent “criminality and misconduct” and would be “disgraceful”. In response, the force has dismantled the current custody team at Charing Cross and made significant leadership changes within its custody command and Westminster borough leadership team.
This case follows a 2022 IOPC report that uncovered graphic messages shared by officers at Charing Cross about violence against women and racist comments. That scandal contributed to the departure of former Met Commissioner Cressida Dick. Her successor, Mark Rowley, has pledged to reform the force's culture.
The new allegations emerged from an undercover BBC News investigation. London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed being “appalled” and reiterated a zero-tolerance stance. The IOPC’s director, Amanda Rowe, assured the public of a robust independent investigation.
