Senior officer investigated over QPM nomination collusion

Temporary Chief Superintendent Parm Sandhu was served with a gross misconduct notice on June 27 along with two other officers, one of which is also in a senior role.

It is understood that the investigation is focusing on whether T/Chief Supt Sandhu encouraged colleagues to support her nomination for a Queen’s Police Medal (QPM).

In the 2018 New Year’s honours, 18 officers were awarded the QPM, the same number awarded to officers in the Queen’s birthday honours last month.

National Police Chiefs’ Council guidelines, which were published to “reduce unnecessary bureaucracy”, say that “any person can nominate any other person” for an honour.

However, people are not expected to nominate themselves and are not meant to contribute to or know about the process.

T/Chief Supt Sandhu, who joined the MPS in 1989, is one of the most senior ethnic minority officers in the force and received an Asian Women of Achievement award in 2006 for her work in reassuring the community in the aftermath of the July 7 terrorist attacks in the capital city.

The MPS says the two other officers served with gross misconduct notices – a detective superintendent and an inspector – both remain on full duties.

A force spokesperson added: “The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) is investigating the conduct of three officers following an allegation that they breached guidelines relating to the UK honours nomination process.

“A Temporary Chief Superintendent currently attached to Human Resources was served with a gross misconduct notice on Wednesday, June 27 and has been placed on restricted duties.

“Enquiries continue.”