The number of sexual misconduct allegations against Metropolitan Police constables and specials which went to hearing has risen 84-fold since 2021, according to new data.
In 2024 alone, 84 allegations of sexual misconduct went to hearing, accounting for 16 dismissals.
Of these, a further 28 allegations would have resulted in dismissal, had those officers involved not resigned during the investigation.
Public sector and emergency services whistle-blower organisation Speak Up Now UK said: “Until meaningful changes are implemented, the cycle continues at significant cost, both to the public and to the integrity of the police service.”
Earlier this year a serving Metropolitan Police officer was dismissed without notice after an allegation of sexual assault in Brighton back in 2021.
The force employed around 33,201 police officers and 1,127 special officers, as of 28 February 2025.
Last year, 135 allegations resulted in dismissal outcomes.
Accounting for the 103 allegations that would have resulted in a dismissal, had the officer or officers involved not resigned during the process, 54% of misconduct hearings resulted in dismissal in 2024.
As a whole, the number of misconduct allegations made against the Met dropped from 2023-2024, with 1,843 Officers accused of misconduct last year compared with 2,595 officers in 2023.
Of these, 419 allegations were taken to a misconduct hearing in 2024.
While the number of allegations dropped, the number of dismissals remained high, making up 32.2% of hearing outcomes.
However, the number of allegations against sexual conduct, as categorized by post-2020 professional policing standards regulations, rose by 64.7%, from 2023-2024.
The dismissals reflect allegation outcome, rather than a count of officers, as sanctions at hearings are at allegation level, since an officer can be referred to hearing for multiple allegations.
Issy Vine founded Speak Up Now Uk, after her experiences while working as a 999 call operator for the Metropolitan Police.
The organisation provides a safe place for public service and emergency services workers to share their own stories of discrimination and backlash for trying to report wrongdoings.
A Speak Up Now UK spokesperson said: “This rise in reporting should not be misinterpreted as a reflection of improved internal culture, stronger policies, or better support mechanisms.
“Rather, it signals a tipping point among staff who are no longer willing to tolerate unethical behaviour by rogue officers — behaviour that fundamentally contradicts the principles of policing and public service.
“The increase in reports is driven by the courage of individuals who choose to speak out, often at significant personal and professional risk, despite a widespread perception that their concerns will not lead to meaningful accountability.
“In many cases, those who report misconduct do so knowing that retaliation or career detriment is likely.”
The Metropolitan Police were approached for comment.
Feature image: Metropolitan Police
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