Further Dismissals at Charing Cross Police Station
The Metropolitan Police has announced the dismissal of two more officers in connection with an undercover BBC Panorama investigation. PCs Kheava Gould-Ryan and Fernando Santos Dos Santos were terminated without notice after misconduct hearings revealed comments that glorified the use of force against detainees and expressed other inappropriate sentiments at Charing Cross police station in central London.
These dismissals bring the total number of officers fired as a result of the BBC's inquiry to ten. While neither Gould-Ryan nor Dos Santos were featured in the October broadcast, unaired footage was shared with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), leading to further internal investigations.
Details of Misconduct Findings
PC Gould-Ryan was found to have made comments that trivialized the use of force on detainees and condoned unreasonable force. He was also heard stating it would be "funny" to witness a juvenile being sprayed with the incapacitant Pava while in custody.
PC Dos Santos was found to have made derogatory comments about a victim he had dealt with and about members of the public experiencing a mental health crisis. He also glorified shouting and swearing at the public and the use of force, remarking, "You can always justify it." Additionally, Dos Santos reportedly praised a colleague's use of force against a detainee, saying he "just wanted to laugh."
Both officers were deemed to have breached professional standards related to authority, respect and courtesy, and discreditable conduct. They will be added to the College of Policing's barred list, which prevents them from rejoining police forces or working for various police-related organizations.
Ongoing Efforts to Address Standards
Cdr Simon Messinger of the Met Police commented, "It was important all the footage taken by the BBC was examined to identify any misconduct not shown on the programme. That enabled us to swiftly suspend and now hold to account these two officers for their appalling and inappropriate comments."
Commander Messinger emphasized that ten serving officers have now been dismissed for unacceptable conduct at Charing Cross, and the force continues to support the ongoing IOPC investigation. He added that the Met's own efforts are continuing "at pace to raise standards and address the cultural issues in the Met that created an environment where these awful views could be seen as acceptable behaviour."