A recent hearing held from February 22 to 24 found PC Shanoor Ali of the Metropolitan Police’s South West Basic Command Unit (BCU) guilty of gross misconduct in relation to the use of force. The charges stem from an incident on June 27, 2021, in which PC Ali allegedly punched a female member of the public while attending an address in Tooting with other uniformed officers. The charges against the woman were later dropped.
After hearing all the evidence, the misconduct panel concluded that the allegations against PC Ali were proven at the level of gross misconduct. Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, South West BCU commander, expressed concern and shock about the matter, emphasizing that PC Ali had gone beyond what was proportionate and had been rightfully held accountable for his actions.
Following the panel’s ruling, former PC Ali will be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing, which means he cannot be employed by the police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.
The Metropolitan Police has a duty to uphold high standards of behavior and ensure public trust and confidence in its officers. The panel’s decision to hold PC Ali accountable for his actions and bar him from future employment in the police force sends a strong message that any form of misconduct will not be tolerated. It is a reminder that the police force is accountable for its actions, and its officers must act with the highest level of professionalism and respect for the public they serve.
