Seventh officer dismissed for gross misconduct at Charing Cross

A Met constable has become the seventh officer to be dismissed following unacceptable behaviour at Charing Cross police station.

A misconduct panel found allegations proven for PC Sean Park, attached to Central West Command Unit, following the broadcast of BBC Panorama on Wednesday, 1 October.

The hearing, on Tuesday, 25 November, heard PC Park was shown on Panorama expressing discriminatory and disrespectful views about Muslims.

He boasted about pretending not to see an alleged excessive use of force by another officer who is said to have stomped on a detainee’s ankle, and failed to challenge what had happened.

He also failed to challenge discriminatory views of PC Martin Borg, previously dismissed.

Commander Simon Messinger, Professionalism, said: ”PC Park’s conduct fell very far below the high standard we expect of all our officers.

“His comments were appalling, along with his apparent condonement of inappropriate use of force against a detainee, and it is entirely right he has now lost his job.

“PC Park’s hearing was the penultimate accelerated misconduct process to be held. Today we should also have been holding a hearing for former PC Brain Sharkey. However, the BBC have once again disclosed additional unaired footage to the Independent Office for Police Conduct at extremely short notice – just yesterday – which has now been shared with the Met.

“It is frustrating to have to adjourn proceedings but it is right we examine this footage to ensure all the available evidence is presented to the hearing in relation to this former officer. A new hearing will take place as soon as possible.”

PC Park was found to have breached standards of professional behaviour for authority, respect and courtesy, discreditable conduct, challenging and reporting improper conduct, and equality and diversity.

Along with the other officers dismissed, he will be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing to prevent him re-joining the police or being employed by other related bodies.

Former PC Brian Sharkey was previously attached to Central West Command Unit before he retired. His new hearing is likely to take place in February.

The IOPC investigation into misconduct at Charing Cross continues.