Met officer investigated for racial profiling after mum wrongly arrested over bus fare

A police constable is under investigation over claims of racial profiling after a woman accused of fare evasion was wrongly arrested in front of her child.

Today, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced that the constable, who arrested the woman in July, is under criminal investigation for potential offences related to racially aggravated assault and false imprisonment.

A video filmed in Whitehorse Road, Croydon on July 21, shows the woman’s young son in tears as his mum is handcuffed by police.

She was later let go and her handcuffs were removed after officers confirmed her fare was valid.

The IOPC received a “complaint referral” from the Met on July 24. The complaint, which was made by a family member on the woman’s behalf, alleged that she was racially profiled and was verbally abused by an officer.

A spokesman from the IOPC said that the watchdog has received further complaints from the woman involved, relating to the treatment she and her son received during the incident.

The IOPC is currently investigating the actions of all officers involved during the incident, including the decision to arrest the woman, whether the force used was reasonable, whether the woman and her son were treated differently because of their race and whether the woman was treated differently because of her sex.

A spokesman from the IOPC said: “We have secured and reviewed evidence, including officers’ body worn video footage and CCTV footage from the bus the woman exited shortly before her arrest. 

“IOPC investigators have also obtained accounts from the woman involved and police staff present and will be speaking with the Transport for London inspectors.

“A police constable has recently been advised that they are being investigated for potential criminal offences related to racially aggravated assault and false imprisonment.”

The officer is also being investigated for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour at the level of gross misconduct.

IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: “The decision to conduct a criminal investigation is not something we take lightly and was made after careful consideration of the material we have gathered to date, including liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

“It’s important to emphasise that this development does not necessarily mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow.

“At the conclusion of the investigation, we will decide whether to refer a file of evidence to the CPS for a charging decision and also decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings.”

Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, responsible for policing in Croydon, said: “This incident caused a great deal of concern in the community when it happened and when a video showing part of the events was shared on social media. 

“The incident was clearly distressing for the woman involved and particularly her child.

“We are co-operating fully with the investigation and are aware of today’s update from the IOPC.”

A spokesman from the IOPC said: “We continue to appeal for any witnesses to contact our investigation team by emailing whitehorseroad@policeconduct.gov.uk or phoning 0300 303 5731 and leaving a message with your name and contact number.”

(Picture: The Met)