The Metropolitan Police has suspended nine officers and referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) pending an investigation linked to a BBC inquiry into conduct at Charing Cross police station.
The IOPC said it was investigating the behaviour of 11 individuals based at the central London station. Allegations include excessive use of force, discriminatory and misogynistic comments, and failures to report or challenge inappropriate behaviour. The complaints were made to the Met by a third party and have been passed to the watchdog.
The allegations are connected to a forthcoming BBC Panorama documentary, the broadcaster has indicated. The Met said it had suspended nine officers while the matter is examined, an administrative step that removes officers from duty while the force and the IOPC consider the claims.
The IOPC confirmed it had begun an independent investigation into the conduct of 11 individuals based at Charing Cross station and will assess whether police standards were breached. It previously criticised behaviour at the same station, describing earlier findings as "disgraceful" after identifying a WhatsApp group that contained homophobic, racist and misogynistic messages.
The Metropolitan Police declined to comment in detail on ongoing investigations but has publicly stated it refers matters to the IOPC where appropriate. The IOPC operates independently of the police and investigates complaints and allegations against officers, with the authority to direct criminal or disciplinary action depending on its findings.
The developments follow renewed public scrutiny of Met practices and culture after a series of high-profile cases and watchdog reports that led to questions about oversight and accountability. The IOPC's previous probe into Charing Cross prompted internal reviews within the force and broader conversations about conduct, supervision and the reporting of misconduct.
Investigations by both the force and the IOPC can take several months and may involve interviews, review of communications and examination of use-of-force incidents. Any determination by the IOPC could result in criminal referrals, misconduct proceedings, or recommendations for changes to training and supervision.
The BBC has said the Panorama episode will air soon and contains material that led to the complaints. The Met and the IOPC will not comment further while inquiries are active, the organisations have said.
As the IOPC review proceeds, the suspension of nine officers marks a significant step in the handling of allegations at a central London station previously flagged by watchdog findings. Further details are expected as the IOPC completes its investigation and determines whether formal charges or disciplinary measures are warranted.