After colleagues complained about his unacceptable behavior, a Metropolitan Police constable was dismissed after using antisemitic words at work.
The force has found that PC Morgan Griffiths was grossly negligent as a Dagenham ward officer.
The incident occurred in East London in February while he was speaking to a co-worker at work.
An investigation that ended on the 9th of September concluded that his conduct fell below expected standards.
Scott Didham, inspector at the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS), said that Griffiths’s language was “totally inappropriate” and “antisemitic”.
East London Police Chief Stuart Bell stated: “This case was the result of colleagues stepping up and challenging unacceptable and racist behaviour. I am reassured they felt confident enough to take action.”
He said that the Met is committed to creating a culture in which everyone can feel welcomed and thrive.
Louise Casey’s review in 2023 of the Met described the organization as being institutionally sexist and racist with a “boys’ club” culture. The Met Police was forced to remove 90 officers from the teams that investigated serious crimes and terrorism, and those who dealt with DPS.
The review was triggered after the kidnap, rape, and murder of Sarah Everard.
The Casey Review said that the Met’s response towards discrimination had been “wholly inadequate” and there was a failure systemically to eradicate discriminatory and bullying behavior.
The Met responded by saying that its efforts to tackle rogue officers led to an increase of 70% in dismissals within six months. It also said it was developing a “re-vetting system”.
Before the Casey Review findings, the Independent Office for Police Conduct had ordered the Met that it overhaul its culture and increase standards following an investigation which found officers regularly sharing violent, misogynist, and discriminatory messages.
In the wake of the Casey Review, Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said that it was “nonsensical”, that he did not have the authority to fire officers.
He said on a BBC phone-in, 6 April 2023, “I don’t always have the final word on who is in the Metropolitan Police.” “I know that sounds crazy, I am the commissioner,” said he.
Rowley then criticised the Met’s discipline process. He pointed out that independent tribunals can decide to keep officers in the Met, even if the force wants to fire them. He added that this was one of many powers which needed to be altered.
Personnel Today has the latest HR job openings.
Subscribe to our weekly HR news and guidance
Every Wednesday, receive the Personnel Today Direct newsletter.
