Overview

• BBC Panorama’s undercover reporter recorded months of interactions up to January 2025 alleging support for Tommy Robinson, anti‑Muslim and misogynistic remarks, and the use or boasting of excessive force, including against a young detainee.
• Within 48 hours of receiving the allegations, the Met suspended nine serving officers and one staff member, removed two more from frontline duties, and disbanded the Charing Cross custody team.
• The force redeployed 34 dedicated detention officers and reassigned 16 custody sergeants, while initiating local leadership changes and wider reviews of custody practices across London.
• The IOPC is investigating 11 current and former individuals for potential gross misconduct, has launched a criminal investigation into one constable on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, and is reviewing custody CCTV while appealing for detainees and staff to come forward.
• Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised, called the behaviour “reprehensible,” signalled fast‑track hearings within weeks that could lead to dismissal, drew backing from Mayor Sadiq Khan, and faced calls from the Police Federation to ensure due process.