Two More Metropolitan Police Officers Dismissed Following BBC Panorama Investigation

Two more Met officers sacked over – The Metropolitan Police has announced the dismissal of two additional officers from Charing Cross station, bringing the total number of sacking to ten since the start of a BBC Panorama investigation. The latest resignations, involving PCs Kheava Gould-Ryan and Fernando Santos Dos Santos, followed misconduct hearings this week. The force emphasized that the officers were removed without prior notice, citing their remarks as evidence of a broader pattern of behavior within the station.

The investigation, which exposed a culture of racism, misogyny, and excessive force, was conducted through covert filming. While neither Gould-Ryan nor Dos Santos appeared on the programme aired in October, their actions were revealed via unaired footage shared with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). This footage prompted further scrutiny, leading to the identification of multiple instances of misconduct.

Officer Comments Under Scrutiny

The disciplinary process uncovered specific instances of inappropriate conduct. Gould-Ryan was found to have made statements that downplayed the severity of force applied to detainees, with one comment particularly notable: “It would be funny to see a juvenile sprayed with PAVA while in custody.” Such remarks suggest a casual attitude toward the use of restraint, potentially trivializing the experiences of those subjected to it.

“Gould-Ryan’s comments indicated a lack of respect for detainees and a belief that force could be used for entertainment,” said a Metropolitan Police representative.

Dos Santos, on the other hand, was criticized for his derogatory remarks about a victim he had encountered during his duties. He also made remarks about the public, suggesting that individuals in mental health crises were less deserving of compassion. One of his statements highlighted a mindset that justified aggressive behavior: “You can always justify it,” he reportedly said, referring to the use of force.

“Dos Santos appeared to glorify the use of force and displayed a dismissive attitude toward people in distress,” the report stated.

The incident at Charing Cross station has become a focal point for the Met Police’s efforts to address internal cultural issues. Earlier this year, PC Charlie Cano became the eighth officer to be dismissed as part of the same investigation. His case involved inappropriate conversations about female members of the public and boasting about using force against a young detainee. These actions were also linked to the unaired footage shared with the IOPC.

Impact of the Investigation

The Panorama investigation, titled *Undercover in the Police Secret*, shed light on the station’s environment. It revealed how officers, in private, discussed racism and misogyny as part of their daily routine. The footage captured moments where they not only used force but also expressed enjoyment in doing so, indicating a systemic issue that extends beyond individual misconduct.

Metropolitan Police Chief Simon Messinger addressed the situation, stating that the investigation’s findings have been crucial in identifying behavior that may not have been visible on screen. “Examining all the footage allowed us to uncover misconduct that wasn’t presented in the broadcast,” he said. “This has enabled us to swiftly suspend and hold accountable these officers for their unacceptable conduct.”

“The investigation has exposed a culture where excessive force and discriminatory attitudes were normalized,” Messinger added. “We’re committed to raising standards and addressing these issues within the Met.”

The Met Police has now dismissed ten officers in total, with each case linked to the evidence gathered during the undercover operation. The investigation has prompted internal reviews and highlighted the need for stricter oversight. Gould-Ryan and Dos Santos, like their colleagues, were found to have breached professional conduct standards, particularly in how they exercised authority and treated detainees.

Broader Implications for the Met Police

The dismissals underscore the Met’s ongoing efforts to reform its practices. The College of Policing has placed both officers on a barred list, preventing them from rejoining the force or working for related organizations. This measure aims to ensure that individuals with a history of misconduct are not reintegrated into the system without proper evaluation.

Since the investigation began, the Met has faced increasing pressure to address its reputation. The IOPC continues to probe the incident, with its findings expected to influence future policies. Messinger emphasized that the force’s own internal investigations are moving swiftly, targeting not just individual cases but the cultural norms that allowed such behavior to persist.

Charing Cross station, one of London’s busiest, has become a symbol of the challenges within the Met Police. The undercover filming revealed a stark contrast between the officers’ public duties and their private attitudes. While the station’s primary role is to maintain order, the investigation suggests that some officers may have viewed their responsibilities through a lens of personal satisfaction rather than public service.

The BBC’s role in exposing these issues has been pivotal. The *Panorama* team’s ability to capture raw, unfiltered interactions has provided critical evidence. The programme’s title, *Secret BBC filming reveals hidden culture of misogyny and racism*, hints at the depth of the problem. The unaired footage, in particular, has been instrumental in uncovering misconduct that may not have been apparent during the initial broadcast.

As the Met Police continues its reforms, the question remains: how widespread are these attitudes within the force? The dismissals of ten officers raise concerns about the scale of the issue. While the focus has been on Charing Cross, similar patterns may exist in other stations. The Met’s commitment to transparency and accountability will be key in addressing these challenges and restoring public trust.

For now, the Met has taken decisive action against those implicated. The next steps will involve reviewing the broader implications of the investigation and implementing changes to prevent future incidents. The story of these ten officers serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding professional standards in law enforcement, even in the face of internal pressures and cultural influences.