A Metropolitan Police officer, PC Thomas Hooper, has been dismissed from the force without notice following a finding of gross misconduct. A disciplinary panel concluded that PC Hooper had inappropriately touched six colleagues, all of whom were women, over a period spanning four years.
The incidents in question occurred between 2017 and 2021, involving various female colleagues. The nature of the inappropriate touching was not specified in detail but was deemed serious enough by the panel to constitute gross misconduct. The panel’s decision highlights a failure to uphold the standards of professional behaviour expected of police officers, particularly regarding respect and courtesy.
During the proceedings, the panel heard evidence relating to the allegations. It concluded that PC Hooper's actions were sexually motivated and represented a significant breach of the trust placed in police officers. The outcome underscores the Metropolitan Police's stated commitment to addressing and rooting out misconduct within its ranks, particularly in the wake of increased scrutiny over officer behaviour.
The dismissal means that PC Hooper will now be added to the College of Policing's barred list. This national register prevents individuals who have been dismissed from policing for gross misconduct from being re-employed in any police force, ensuring that those who fail to meet ethical standards cannot simply move to another force.
This case forms part of a broader effort within the Met to restore public confidence and address a culture that has, at times, been criticised for not adequately tackling misogyny and inappropriate behaviour. The force has been under pressure to demonstrate tangible action against officers who fall short of the high standards expected by the public and their fellow officers.