Two Cops Charged Over Shocking Crime Scene Photos
The Crown Prosecution Service has charged two police officers with misconduct in public office. PC Deniz Jaffer, 47, and PC Jamie Lewis, 32, both from the North East Command, face their first court hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 27 May.
Officers Suspended After Disturbing Allegations
Both officers were suspended following their arrest in June, after claims emerged that inappropriate, non-official photos were taken at the murder scene of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman in Fryent Country Park, Wembley. The tragic killings took place in the early hours of Saturday, 6 June 2020.
The Metropolitan Police Service’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which launched an independent probe. On 22 June, the officers were arrested on suspicion of misconduct and later released under investigation.
Serious Charges After Independent Investigation
The IOPC submitted a file to the CPS, who decided to press charges. Commander Paul Betts of the DPS said:
“These are extremely serious charges and we thank the IOPC for their work to get to this point. Our thoughts go out to the families of Bibaa and Nicole, as we recognise the renewed grief and pain this development will bring.”
“We know the public will share our outrage, but I would ask that space is now given to allow the judicial process to run its proper course.”
Police Crack Down on Misconduct
As the scandal unfolded, the MPS acted swiftly to remind officers across the North East Command about proper conduct, especially regarding WhatsApp and social media use. Senior managers reiterated expectations and urged staff to report any concerns about colleagues.
The IOPC’s investigation produced two quick-fire recommendations:
- Ensure all officers at the implicated police station uphold the highest standards on and off duty to protect public confidence.
- Require supervisors and senior management to identify and stamp out inappropriate behaviour while promoting a safe, open culture that encourages reporting misconduct.
These recommendations, delivered in November, are already being implemented across the entire North East Command, overseen by the DPS’s prevention and learning team.
