Five Met Police Officers Face Gross Misconduct Hearing Over Controversial Stop
Met Voluntarily Refers Incident to IOPC
The Met police handed over a July 4, 2020, incident on Lanhill Road, W9, to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after public concern and a formal complaint. Officers from the Territorial Support Group stopped and searched a vehicle amid rising violence in the area. The occupants were handcuffed and searched, but nothing illegal was found. All were released without arrest.
Gross Misconduct Charges for Five Officers
The IOPC investigation concluded that five officers — four PCs and an acting Sergeant — should face gross misconduct hearings. Allegations include breaches of professional duties, inappropriate use of force, discrimination, disrespect, and lack of honesty and integrity.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Bas Javid said: “I acknowledge the IOPC’s direction in this case. We have fully cooperated with their investigation and are arranging an independent misconduct hearing. I am sorry for the distress caused to Ms Williams and Mr Dos Santos.”
The hearings will be led by an independent, legally qualified chair who will weigh all evidence before deciding on guilt and any sanctions.
Another Officer Faces Misconduct Meeting
A sixth officer will undergo a misconduct meeting rather than a gross misconduct hearing. This will assess if their actions, while concerning, fall short of gross misconduct.
Scrutiny Over Baby’s Police Record and Senior Officers’ Comments
The IOPC also questioned whether a Merlin report — a police database entry on children needing protection — should have been made for the couple’s baby. The Met is reviewing this with local authorities.
Meanwhile, Sir Stephen House, then Deputy Commissioner, has faced criticism for comments to the London Assembly’s Police and Crime Committee during the investigation. The IOPC did not treat this as a conduct issue. Sir Stephen maintains his statements were factually accurate and has written to the IOPC stressing the need for transparency from senior officers when questioned.
Met’s Efforts to Tackle Controversial Handcuffing Policy
The Met acknowledges concerns over disproportionate handcuffing in some communities. In 2019, a review was launched under former Commissioner Cressida Dick focusing on handcuff use, especially regarding young black men who felt targeted.
The review led to a new handcuffing policy in November 2021, promoting clear rules, justification, and mandatory recording of handcuff use. Additional training supports this policy, aimed at balancing officer safety with community respect.
The Met vows to continue working with communities to improve policing and ensure respectful treatment for all.
