Former Met Officer Faces Misconduct Hearing Over Rape and Racism Remarks Caught on Camera

A police misconduct hearing has been told that jokes about rape and sexual assault made by a former Metropolitan Police officer were ill conceived and risked undermining public confidence in policing. The comments, recorded on hidden camera, were broadcast in a BBC Panorama documentary and have prompted renewed scrutiny of conduct at Charing Cross police station.

Brian Sharkey, who retired as a police constable last May, was filmed making a series of remarks while off duty with colleagues. Footage shown to the tribunal captured him discussing a sexual offence and stating that someone accused of sexual assault might as well commit rape. He immediately described his comment as a joke and apologised, saying it was wrong and that he meant no disrespect.

Cecily White, representing the Metropolitan Police, told the hearing that although officers are entitled to engage in conversation and humour, remarks about serious crimes such as rape and sexual assault carry particular weight. She said such comments were capable of undermining public trust, especially given that victims rely on police to treat allegations with seriousness and sensitivity.

White argued that even if the remark was intended as banter, it risked giving the impression that sexual offences were not taken seriously within the force. She said the public could reasonably be concerned if officers appeared to treat such allegations as a laughing matter.

The hearing also examined footage recorded during a night shift break in which Sharkey discussed stop and search powers. In the clip, he appeared to dismiss claims of racial bias, suggesting that individuals stopped by police might accuse officers of discrimination when no wrongdoing was found. White told the tribunal that concerns about disproportionate use of stop and search, particularly affecting black and minority communities, are a legitimate matter of public interest and one that officers should recognise.

Sharkey has said his comments were taken out of context but has accepted that the joke about sexual assault was inappropriate. The tribunal was told that he corrected himself at the time and apologised to those present. The misconduct panel is considering whether his conduct breached professional standards relating to authority, respect and courtesy, as well as equality and diversity.

The case forms part of wider scrutiny of culture within parts of the Metropolitan Police following a series of high profile investigations. Six officers from Charing Cross police station have already been dismissed in the wake of the Panorama programme.

The outcome of the hearing is expected to address whether the remarks amount to gross misconduct and whether further action is warranted despite Sharkey’s retirement. The proceedings have once again placed focus on standards of behaviour within policing and the importance of maintaining public confidence in law enforcement institutions.