Met Police Officers to Face Gross Misconduct Hearing Over Controversial 2020 Stop
IOPC Flags Five Officers for Gross Misconduct
The Met police have referred five officers to a gross misconduct hearing following a 2020 incident on Lanhill Road, W9. The case, involving officers from the Territorial Support Group, emerged after a vehicle stop sparked a public complaint. The stop happened on July 4, 2020, amid a surge in local violence.
The officers searched and handcuffed the vehicle’s occupants but found nothing illegal. No arrests were made, and those involved were allowed to leave. However, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has since ruled that four PCs and an acting Sergeant breached professional standards related to use of force, equality, honesty, respect, and authority.
Met Apologises and Prepares Independent Hearing
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Bas Javid from the Met’s Directorate of Professionalism said: “I acknowledge the IOPC’s direction in this case. We have fully cooperated and are arranging an independently-led misconduct hearing. I am sorry for the distress caused to Ms Williams and Mr Dos Santos.”
The hearings will be conducted by a legally qualified, independent chairperson who will review all evidence before deciding whether misconduct occurred and what penalties apply.
Sixth Officer Faces Separate Misconduct Meeting
A sixth officer is set for a misconduct meeting, not a gross misconduct hearing, as the IOPC found their actions fell short of the higher threshold. A senior officer will lead the meeting to decide on guilt and any sanctions.
Wider Scrutiny and Policy Changes
The IOPC also highlighted concerns around whether a Merlin report—a database flag for vulnerable children—should have been made for the couple’s baby. The Met is liaising with local authorities to review this.
In addition, the IOPC commented on a response by former Deputy Commissioner Sir Stephen House to the London Assembly’s Police and Crime Committee, though it did not treat this as misconduct. Sir Stephen maintains his statement was accurate at the time and has sought clarification on how senior officers should respond to future scrutiny.
The Met acknowledges community concerns about handcuffing, especially among young black men. A 2019 review led to a new handcuffing policy launched in November 2021, ensuring officers justify and record every use of the tactic, backed by extra training.
The Met vows to keep working with communities to improve policing and rebuild trust.
