A Metropolitan police officer is under criminal investigation for alleged racially aggravated assault after a woman was wrongly arrested for evading a bus fare in an incident that was filmed and widely seen on social media.
The police watchdog said the constable is also under investigation for alleged false imprisonment and gross misconduct under police standards. They now face being interviewed under criminal caution in the coming days by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
July’s incident in Croydon, south London, prompted widespread concern and criticism after video footage showed a mother being handcuffed near a bus stop in front of her visibly distressed young son. She was released after it was confirmed she had paid for her fare.
The IOPC launched an investigation when the woman’s family alleged she was racially profiled and verbally abused by the officer involved.
On Monday, the IOPC issued an update after a review of body worn and CCTV footage, further complaints by the woman involved and the account of several witnesses.
The watchdog said the investigation is examining: the initial decision to arrest the woman; whether the forced used was reasonable, necessary and proportionate; whether the woman and her son were treated differently because of their race; and whether the woman was treated differently because of her sex.
The IOPC’s regional director, Mel Palmer, said: “The decision to conduct a criminal investigation is not something we take lightly and was made after careful consideration of the material we have gathered to date, including liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).”
But she stressed that it did not necessarily mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings would follow.
Palmer said: “At the conclusion of the investigation, we will decide whether to refer a file of evidence to the CPS for a charging decision and also decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings.
“Representatives for the woman and the officer have been advised of this update and we will keep them informed throughout our investigation.”
When video of the incident emerged, the Met described it as a “snapshot” of what took place. It also said the woman left the bus after failing to comply with an inspector’s request to check she had paid her fare.
In the video she repeatedly told officers: “I haven’t done anything wrong.”
In the wake of the incident Ch Supt Andy Brittain, who covers Croydon, admitted that trust in the police “had taken hit” as a result of the widely shared video footage.
On Monday he said: “This incident caused a great deal of concern in the community when it happened and when a video showing part of the events was shared on social media. The incident was clearly distressing for the woman involved and particularly her child.”
The officer under investigation is on restricted duties.
