A former police officer, Pc Peter Greaves, would have faced immediate dismissal had he not already resigned, according to an inquiry led by temporary chief constable Maggie Blyth. Greaves was recorded expressing his enjoyment of using force against detainees while working for the Metropolitan Police Service at Charing Cross Police Station in November 2024. This footage, captured by a hidden camera and later featured in the documentary Panorama, revealed concerning evidence of racism, Islamophobia, and misogyny within the police force.
Following his controversial remarks, Greaves transferred to Gloucestershire Constabulary in March 2025. His transfer was conducted in accordance with the College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice and its Vetting Code of Practice. He ultimately resigned in November 2025. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation into his conduct, which led to an accelerated misconduct hearing on January 9, 2026.
During the hearing, T/CC Blyth determined that Greaves’ statements constituted a breach of professional behaviour related to discreditable conduct. She stated that had he not resigned, he would have been dismissed without notice. This outcome highlights the serious implications of his comments for public trust in the police.
Blyth emphasized, “While there is no evidence former Pc Greaves actually inflicted physical harm on members of the public, his comments were shocking and seriously harmed public confidence in policing.” Following this ruling, Greaves’ name will be added to the Police Barred List maintained by the College of Policing, preventing him from rejoining the police force or being employed by related organizations.
The fallout from the Panorama documentary has been significant for the Metropolitan Police. To date, the Met has dismissed seven officers featured in the episode, which has raised questions about the culture within the force. A future misconduct hearing is also scheduled for another officer connected to its detention unit.
The IOPC’s investigation into the broader allegations at Charing Cross Police Station remains ongoing, as the organization seeks to ensure accountability and restore public confidence in policing standards.
