Brian Sharkey, a former police constable at Charing Cross and member of the Central West Command Unit, has been found guilty of gross misconduct following shocking remarks about rape and sexual assault victims. His comments revealed a disturbing lack of empathy and blatant disrespect towards victims and the public.
Sharkey breached several professional standards, including respect, courtesy, equality, and conduct that discredits the police service. As he had already retired, formal dismissal was not possible. However, a misconduct panel confirmed that he would have been dismissed if still serving. Despite this, the hearing chair decided against formally dismissing him after considering the circumstances.
This ruling concludes one of eight expedited misconduct cases arising from the explosive BBC Panorama investigation aired in October. Seven serving officers have been dismissed for their appalling behaviour, with Sharkey joining the growing list of those held accountable.
In a related case in Gloucestershire, a former Metropolitan Police officer resigned before dismissal after supporting the use of excessive force.
Commander Simon Messinger, Professionalism lead at the Met, commented: “The actions of those featured in the programme have a clear impact on public trust in us. It is absolutely right these officers are no longer in the Met. This comes amid wider efforts to raise standards – more than 1,400 officers and staff have left in three years. We are backing the IOPC investigation and moving fast to tackle the toxic culture that allowed such abhorrent views. This will help the good officers flourish while rooting out those unfit for the job.”
All officers involved, except Brian Sharkey, have been barred from police work by the College of Policing’s Barred List.
The Metropolitan Police’s challenges continue. A police constable from Central West is due to face a misconduct hearing on April 1 over inappropriate use-of-force comments and remains suspended. Two officers are under criminal investigation: a dismissed former PC from Central West and a sergeant arrested for allegedly perverting the course of justice related to Charing Cross cases.
Additionally, two more Central West PCs are suspended amid gross misconduct investigations over offensive remarks, including one targeting a female member of the public. A sergeant is suspended for alleged sexualised comments about women and failing to challenge misconduct by junior officers.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) continues its investigation into a Met Detention Sergeant featured in Panorama, who remains suspended and under gross misconduct review.
Since the Panorama revelations, the Met has disbanded the Charing Cross custody team and restructured local leadership. Training programmes are being overhauled and regular staff rotations enforced to eradicate the toxic culture within the force.
Originally published by UKNIP.
