The Metropolitan Police Service

03/22/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/22/2023 14:20

Officer dismissed for discriminatory comments and behaviour

A police constable has been dismissed without notice after an investigation by professional standards officers found he acted in a discriminatory and disrespectful way to Black officers on his team.

The investigation into PC Caswell's actions began after concerned colleagues reported his behaviour through the Met's existing misconduct reporting channels.

A misconduct panel heard that PC Caswell used language and acted in a manner that belittled, mocked and humiliated three officers in particular.

Between 2019 and 2021 he made discriminatory comments, including referencing the death of George Floyd and comparing a Black colleague to a criminal or gang nominal.

The panel also heard evidence PC Caswell sprayed disinfectant on the front of one of the PC's trousers and deliberately called a PC's phone at inappropriate times such as during briefings.

The misconduct panel, which concluded on 22 March and was chaired by an independent legally qualified chair, found PC Caswell breached the police standards of professional behaviour in respect of equality and diversity, authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.

It found gross misconduct proven and PC Caswell was dismissed without notice.

Chief Superintendent Andy Carter, responsible for policing Camden and Islington at Central North Command Unit, said: "PC Caswell's behaviour towards his three fellow officers was appalling and he has quite rightly been dismissed.

"I am very sorry that his colleagues had to endure this behaviour and I welcome the fact that multiple officers reported PC Caswell's conduct so swift action could be taken.

"Everyone in the Met is clearer than ever that we must root out those who corrupt the integrity of our organisation."

PC Caswell will now be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing. Those on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.