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Metropolitan Police Disbands Charing Cross Custody Team After Panorama Exposé

The police watchdog is investigating 11 current and former staff and the commissioner has promised fast-track hearings that could lead to dismissals.

Overview

  • A BBC Panorama journalist working undercover for seven months recorded officers expressing pro–Tommy Robinson views, making anti-Muslim and misogynistic remarks, and boasting about using excessive force.
  • Nine serving officers have been suspended and two others moved off frontline duties, and one constable is under criminal investigation on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
  • The Independent Office for Police Conduct has secured custody-area CCTV, is appealing for potentially affected detainees, and is examining alleged conduct on and off duty between August 2024 and January 2025.
  • Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised and said cases with incontrovertible evidence would be put to fast-track misconduct hearings within weeks with likely dismissal outcomes.
  • Political leaders including London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the footage, while the Metropolitan Police Federation stressed that accused officers are entitled to due process.