Investigation uncovers racist and sexist messages sent by serving Met officers

The police watchdog has uncovered evidence of bullying, racism and sexism in the Met in a series of linked investigations.

The IOPC has made 15 recommendations for how to improve policing practice in a report published today, sparked by an investigation into misconduct at Charing Cross Police Station.

Operation Hotton was launched in 2018 and revealed a number of offensive messages shared on social media by officers which were highly sexualised, discriminatory or referred to violence.

Messages referred to Muslim “fanatics”, “Somalian rats” and used derogaotry terms for people with disabilities.

One message read: “Getting a woman into bed is like spreading butter. 

“It can be done with a bit of effort using a credit card, but it’s quicker and easier just to use a knife.”

In another exchange, an officer said they had to take their partner out to make up for when they ‘backhanded’ her.

The officer added: “You ever slapped your missus?”

“It makes them love you more. Seriously since I did that she won’t leave me alone. 

“Knock a bird about and she will love you. Human nature. They are biologically programmed to like that s***.”

The report also revealed that officers defended these comments by saying they were ‘banter’.

IOPC Regional Director Sal Naseem said: “The behaviour we uncovered was disgraceful and fell well below the standards expected of the officers involved. 

“While these officers predominantly worked in teams in Westminster, which have since been disbanded, we know from other recent cases that these issues are not isolated or historic.  

“Our recommendations focus on the identified cultural issues and aim to ensure that those who work for the force feel safe with their colleagues, and that communities feel safe with those whose job is to protect them. 

“The relationship between the police and the public is critical to maintaining the principle of policing by consent. The concerns about behaviour and culture addressed in our report, if allowed to continue and go unchallenged, risked causing serious damage to that relationship.” 

The Metropolitan Police has apologised to Londoners and said that the conduct of the officers at Charing Cross Police Station does not represent the values of the police service.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Bas Javid, said: “I am angry and disappointed to see officers involved in sharing sexist, racist and discriminatory messages. 

“It’s clear we have a lot of work to do to ensure bullying and discrimination does not exist in any part of the Met.

“The actions of these officers between 2016 and 2018 were unacceptable, unprofessional, disrespectful and deeply offensive. I read their messages with increasing disgust and shame.”

“We recognise that there is a need for real change in the Met and we are committed to creating an environment that is even more intolerant to those who do not uphold the high values and standards expected of us.”

Of the 14 officers included in the investigation, two were dismissed for gross misconduct and barred from policing and another resigned before the hearings.

A further four officers attended misconduct meetings and a fifth would have attended a misconduct meeting had they not resigned from the force.