Tarique Ghaffur relieved of responsibilities

Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur has been temporarily relieved of his responsibilities following a Police Authority sub-committee review of Mr Ghaffur’s public conduct surrounding discrimination claims he has lodged against Metropolitan Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.

The review decided that a chief constable be appointed to oversee a disciplinary investigation into Mr Ghaffur’s conduct. However, it was agreed that while there were potential grounds for misconduct, conditions for suspension in line with Misconduct Regulations had not been met. As of yet Mr Ghaffur has not been suspended but has been relieved of any responsibilities within the Metropolitan Police’s Central Operations Directorate, including his membership of the Management Board and involvement in Olympic Games security. Mr Ghaffur has also been invited to go on leave with immediate effect.

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) said its paramount concern is that the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) “maintains effective and coherent leadership and retains public confidence”. To ensure this, MPA chair Len Duvall has written to Sir Ian seeking reassurance that appropriate management action will be taken.

“The interests of Londoners are not being well served by this current situation,” said Sir Ian in a statement to staff.

“Accordingly, I have decided that, for the time being, AC Tarique Ghaffur be temporarily relieved of his responsibilities although he will remain an assistant commissioner in the Metropolitan Police Service.

“With immediate effect, I have invited DAC Chris Allison to take over temporarily the command of Central Operations, including the contribution to Olympic security.

“My decision results from the way in which he has chosen to conduct himself, for example by the manner in which statements were made in his press conference and in conducting a media campaign, both personally and through the advisors and organisations supporting him.

“It is a matter of regret that I have had to take this action but I want to make it clear that we still want to find a way to resolve his issues through a mediated process.

“For the time being, AC Ghaffur is on authorised leave of absence.”

When questioned on whether the decision to relieve Mr Ghaffur of duties was solely the responsibility of Sir Ian, an MPS spokesperson said: “An officers posting is a matter for the commissioner.”

Dee Doocey, policing spokesperson at the London Assembly’s Liberal Democrat’s group, criticised Sir Ian’s decision to relieve Mr Ghaffur of his responsibilities and give him leave of absence as being tantamount to suspension:

“I’m very concerned that despite the sub-committee finding there were no grounds for suspension, the following morning AC Ghaffur is suddenly relieved of his duties and sent on holiday by the commissioner.”

The Metropolitan Black Police Association (MBPA) has also reacted strongly towards the decision saying that it is extremely disappointed that Mr Ghaffur has been “victimised” by Sir Ian Blair.

The MBPA said his actions act as a warning to black and minority ethnic officers and staff: “The message that this sends to black and minority ethnic officers and staff is clear – exercise your right to challenge unfairness and discrimination at your own peril. You will not be listened to and you and your supporters are likely to be victimised.”

At the time of going to press Mr Ghaffur was unavailable for comment. It is believed he is seeking legal advice over the removal of his duties.