City of London Police Officer Resigns After Assault Conviction Involving Child While Off Duty

A former officer of the City of London Police has resigned following a conviction for assault after an off duty incident in which he grabbed the arm of a child while intoxicated. The case has raised renewed scrutiny over professional standards within policing and the mechanisms in place for handling misconduct outside of official duty hours.

The former officer, identified as Manpreet Callo, was found to have breached professional standards after being convicted of assault by beating. The incident took place while he was off duty and under the influence of alcohol, and involved a confrontation with a 12 year old boy in Essex. According to reports, the officer approached the child and grabbed his arm during an interaction that escalated into a criminal case investigated by Essex Police.

Court findings confirmed that Callo’s actions constituted unacceptable conduct for a serving police officer, even though the incident occurred in a personal capacity. The conviction highlighted concerns about public trust in law enforcement and the expectations placed on officers both on and off duty. Following legal proceedings, disciplinary processes were initiated to assess whether his behaviour met the required professional standards expected within the force.

The case also underlines the importance of accountability mechanisms within UK policing institutions, particularly when incidents involve vulnerable individuals such as children. Oversight procedures require that misconduct findings are reviewed independently, ensuring that officers who breach conduct rules face appropriate consequences. In this case, internal review concluded that the behaviour amounted to a serious breach, contributing to his decision to resign from the force.

Authorities have reiterated that any conduct undermining public confidence is treated with seriousness, regardless of whether it occurs during active duty or personal time. While the incident remains isolated, it has prompted wider discussion about training, supervision, and support systems for officers, especially in relation to behaviour while off duty. The resignation brings formal closure to the officer’s service record, but the case continues to be referenced in broader conversations about policing standards and accountability in England.