Charing Cross investigation expands to another 15 officers

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said 15 officers have already been found to have committed gross misconduct following its investigation, which began after allegations about the behaviour of officers at the London station were aired in a BBC Panorama documentary.

Fourteen of those officers have been placed on the police barred list, preventing them from working in policing again.

The latest case involved PC Mason O’Connor, who was dismissed without notice after a disciplinary panel found he had made an offensive comment to a female colleague, telling her he hoped she would “get raped” on the way home from a night out. He was also placed on the barred list.

The IOPC said the investigation had expanded after the BBC provided additional footage that had not been included in the original programme. A subsequent appeal for witnesses also generated further allegations from members of the public and police staff.

Eight investigations remain active, including two involving officers who are under criminal investigation. One concerns an allegation of perverting the course of justice, while the other relates to an allegation of excessive force.

A further gross misconduct hearing is due to take place on 25 September involving a designated detention officer based at Charing Cross custody suite. The hearing concerns comments recorded about the treatment of people detained in custody.

The IOPC described the investigation as one of its largest ever in terms of the number of people investigated.

Amanda Rowe, the IOPC’s director of engagement, said investigators had examined a “significant amount” of additional footage and information provided by witnesses. She said the investigation had been “thorough” and that action had been taken where appropriate.