11 Met Police officers investigated over allegations of violence, racism and steroid use
Nine serving Metropolitan Police constables and two sergeants are under investigation over the "very serious allegations".
Tuesday 30 April 2019 15:32, UK
Eleven serving police officers are being investigated as part of an inquiry into allegations including violence towards women, steroid use and racist behaviour.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the police watchdog, said it had "considerably" widened an investigation into allegations an officer had sex with a vulnerable woman at a station in central London around February 2016.
The "serious" allegations primarily concern officers from a now-defunct unit called the "impact team" and others based mainly at Charing Cross police station.
They came to light during analysis of messages between officers as part of a separate internal investigation.
The allegations include violence towards women, taking advantage of vulnerable people, the use of steroids, and bullying, including threatening and malicious messages.
There are also claims of perverting the course of justice by deleting messages, racist and misogynistic language and failure to report wrongdoing.
These do not apply to all of the officers under investigation, the IOPC said.
The Met said the watchdog was examining the wider culture, working practices and supervision within the "impact team" between 2015 and 2017, with 11 serving officers being investigated.
Nine constables and two sergeants who worked in the Westminster borough are being investigated, as well as a former constable who has left the force.
The Met said one constable has been suspended and three others and a sergeant are on restricted duties.
Sal Naseem, regional director at the IOPC, said: "These are very serious allegations and it is vital for public confidence that these are independently investigated.
"We are committed to using our enforcement powers to root out officers whose conduct undermines the public's confidence in policing and who should not be wearing the uniform.
"There is no indication this is part of any wider teams within the station, but our overarching report will consider the wider culture and team.
"We would also like to hear from other officers at Charing Cross station, or the wider public, who may be able to provide valuable information to our investigation."
The Metropolitan Police said: "The MPS takes all allegations of wrongdoing extremely seriously and is fully cooperating with the IOPC investigation.
"The inappropriate behaviours in this matter appear to have been displayed through text messages and the use of social media apps.
"While the large majority of staff are responsible in their use of social media, the MPS has issued guidance to all staff around the expectation that they and colleagues maintain the professional standards expected of them as a member of the Met at all times.
"Officers and staff also have a duty to report, challenge and take action against colleagues where they believe those standards have fallen."