By Chris Williamson-
A serving officer has been dismissed without notice following the conclusion of misconduct proceedings, after colleagues reported his use of racially discriminatory language to the Met’s professional standards team.
Colleagues of PC Harrison Gray reported the comment, made while off duty at a party attended by other officers, to the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) who immediately launched an investigation.
PC Gray from the South East Command Unit was immediately placed on restricted duties. As a result, PC Gray has had no contact with members of the public since the complaint was received.
DPS officers carried out a full investigation into the comment PC Gray made during a party at a house in Bromley on Wednesday, 14 October 2020.
As a result of the investigation, which included statements provided by a number of officers and other guests who were in attendance regarding the racially discriminatory comment that PC Gray made, it was determined that he face a gross misconduct hearing.
On Friday 8 July following a three-day hearing and having considered all the evidence, the panel, led by an independent legally qualified chair, found PC Gray had breached the regulations in respect of equality and diversity and discreditable conduct. As such, PC Gray was dismissed without notice.
Superintendent Richard McDonagh of the South East Command Unit said: “There is no place for any type of discriminatory language in the Met. While I am incredibly disappointed that PC Gray felt it was acceptable to use this language at all, I am immensely proud that his colleagues did the right thing and reported his behaviour.
They demonstrated what the Met’s values are and that a colleague using such offensive language, even in a social setting, will not be ignored and brushed under the carpet.
“Whether on or off duty, officers are aware that they need to maintain the highest standards. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated and any officer who chooses to use it can expect to face the consequences. We are working hard to rebuild trust and a part of that process is ensuring that those who let the Met down are rigorously investigated and brought to account.”
PC Gray will now be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the IOPC or