Two More Met Officers Sacked Over Panorama Film
Two more Met officers sacked over – In a recent development, two additional Metropolitan Police officers have been dismissed following revelations from an undercover BBC Panorama investigation. The inquiry, which focused on Charing Cross police station in central London, exposed instances of misconduct by several officers, leading to the removal of a total of ten individuals from their posts. PCs Kheava Gould-Ryan and Fernando Santos Dos Santos were among the latest to lose their jobs, as the force confirmed their sacking without prior notice after misconduct hearings. Their actions, captured in secret footage, have sparked renewed scrutiny of the Met’s internal culture and the treatment of detainees.
Undercover Evidence Unearths Racism and Misogyny in London’s Charing Cross Station
The BBC’s Panorama investigation, which aired in October, revealed systemic issues within the Charing Cross police station. Unpublished clips from the undercover operation were shared with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), leading to further inquiries into the behavior of officers. While Gould-Ryan and Dos Santos did not appear on the programme itself, their comments—intended to glorify the use of force—were central to the findings. The IOPC’s review highlighted a pattern of conduct that undermined professional standards and displayed prejudice against detainees.
Gould-Ryan was found to have made remarks that downplayed the severity of force applied to individuals in custody. During the hearings, he was overheard saying it would be “funny” to witness a young person sprayed with the incapacitant PAVA while being held. Such statements suggest a casual attitude toward the physical and psychological impact of police actions on vulnerable individuals. The officer also trivialised the use of force, implying that it was an acceptable and even enjoyable method of control. These comments align with the broader theme of the Panorama series, which exposed a culture of aggression and disrespect within the station.
Dos Santos, on the other hand, was implicated in derogatory remarks about a detainee and individuals experiencing mental health crises. His comments, which mocked victims and dismissed their struggles, were deemed to reflect a lack of empathy. Additionally, he was recorded praising the use of force against members of the public, asserting that “you can always justify it.” The footage also showed him laughing at a colleague’s aggressive tactics, reinforcing the idea that some officers saw their actions as humorous rather than harmful.
Expansion of Dismissals and Previous Cases
This latest round of dismissals brings the total number of officers removed from the Met Police to ten. Earlier in April, PC Charlie Cano had become the eighth officer to be suspended as part of the same investigation. His misconduct included discriminatory conversations about female detainees and boasting about using force against a young woman. These actions, like those of Gould-Ryan and Dos Santos, were identified through the IOPC’s analysis of the Panorama footage. The ongoing probe has since uncovered a series of incidents that collectively paint a picture of systemic issues at the station.
The Met Police has described the dismissals as a necessary step to address misconduct and uphold professionalism. Cdr Simon Messinger, a spokesperson for the force, stated that the footage provided by BBC Panorama was crucial in identifying behavior that might not have been evident to the public. “It was important all the footage taken by the BBC was examined to identify any misconduct not shown on the programme,” he said. “That enabled us to swiftly suspend and now hold to account these two officers for their appalling and inappropriate comments.”
The investigation also revealed a culture where officers appeared to take pleasure in their interactions with detainees. One officer was overheard expressing satisfaction with the use of force, while another joked about the pain caused to a juvenile. These statements, combined with the racial and gender-based comments, have raised concerns about the station’s approach to authority and respect. The IOPC’s role has been pivotal in ensuring that these incidents are thoroughly investigated, with the aim of holding officers accountable and reforming institutional practices.
Met Police Commits to Cultural Reform
Cdr Simon Messinger added that the force continues to work on improving standards and addressing cultural issues that allowed such behavior to occur. “Our own work continues at pace to raise standards and address the cultural issues in the Met that created an environment where these awful views could be seen as acceptable behaviour,” he said. The Met’s commitment to reform is underscored by the fact that these officers were not only dismissed but also added to the College of Policing’s barred list. This measure prevents them from rejoining the police force or working for related organisations for a specified period.
The Panorama investigation, titled *Undercover in the Police Secret*, has been a focal point for discussions about police conduct in London. The series delved into the daily operations of Charing Cross station, uncovering a network of attitudes that prioritised control over compassion. The footage, which was not shown to the public initially, has since become a key piece of evidence in the Met’s internal review. The IOPC has been tasked with determining the extent of misconduct and recommending appropriate actions, including disciplinary measures and potential reforms.
The dismissals have been met with mixed reactions from the public and advocacy groups. Some view the actions as a positive step toward accountability, while others argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of such behavior. The Met Police has acknowledged the need for cultural change, stating that their efforts are ongoing. However, the scale of the dismissals—ten officers in total—has raised questions about whether the force is adequately addressing the underlying issues or merely reacting to the findings of the investigation.
Context and Broader Implications
The Panorama series, which involved undercover reporting, has been instrumental in exposing the hidden dynamics within the Met Police. The investigation not only highlighted racism and misogyny but also demonstrated how officers could revel in the use of force as a means of asserting dominance. The Charing Cross station, known for its high volume of activity, has become a symbol of the broader challenges faced by the police force. The Met’s decision to dismiss officers based on evidence from the programme reflects a growing emphasis on transparency and accountability.
While the two recent sacking decisions are part of a larger pattern, they also illustrate the Met’s willingness to take action against misconduct. The force has stated that it will continue to support the IOPC’s investigation, which is expected to provide further insights into the behavior of officers and the systems that enabled it. The inclusion of the barred list serves as a deterrent, ensuring that individuals who have breached professional conduct standards are not able to return to policing roles without scrutiny.
As the investigation continues, the Met Police faces pressure to implement lasting changes. The sacking of ten officers, including Gould-Ryan and Dos Santos, underscores the gravity of the findings and the force’s commitment to reform. The incident has also prompted calls for greater oversight and training within the police department, particularly regarding the treatment of detainees and the promotion of respectful interactions. With the IOPC’s work ongoing, the future of the Met Police’s approach to authority and conduct remains under close examination.
For now, the focus remains on the implications of the Panorama investigation and the consequences for the officers involved. The BBC’s undercover reporting has not only led to dismissals but has also ignited a broader conversation about police behavior in London. As the Met continues to address these issues, the public will be watching closely to see whether the reforms will lead to meaningful change or merely temporary adjustments.
The Met Police’s statement highlights its dedication to maintaining high standards, but the scale of the dismissals also raises questions about the extent of the problem. With each new case, the force is demonstrating its willingness to take action, even if it means rethinking its internal culture. The journey toward accountability and improvement is ongoing, and the Charing Cross station will likely remain a key case study in the process.
Listeners can tune into BBC Radio London for more updates on the investigation and its impact on the Met Police. The station, along with other BBC platforms, continues to play a vital role in keeping the public informed. For those interested in contributing to the discussion, the BBC London team encourages reaching out with story ideas and feedback.
