Officer dismissed for inappropriate touching

A Metropolitan Police officer who inappropriately and deliberately touched a woman during a night out has been dismissed without notice.

The panel determined that gross misconduct was proven for Acting Sergeant Rachel Bright, attached to the South West Command Unit, following a hearing on Friday, 4 September.

The hearing heard that while off-duty at a bar in Clapham Junction in December 2022, Acting Sgt Bright repeatedly demonstrated inappropriate behaviour towards a woman known to her by touching her in a deliberate and unsolicited manner.

An investigation was launched and Acting Sgt Bright was suspended from duty in December 2023 after being charged with one count of sexual assault.

Following a trial at Kingston Crown Court in October 2024, Acting Sgt Bright was found not guilty.

The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards continued its separate misconduct investigation and concluded that Acting Sgt Bright should face a misconduct hearing.

The panel found the allegations proven and determined that Acting Sgt Bright had breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct.

Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles, who is in charge of policing for South West London, said: "I would like to firstly thank the woman who reported Acting Sgt Bright for the courage she has shown throughout this process.

"Acting Sgt Bright's actions were wholly unacceptable and fell far short of the standards expected of police officers.

"Anyone who fails to uphold our standards should expect to be held accountable."

Acting Sgt Bright will now be placed on the College of Policing Barred List, preventing her from working in policing in the future.