Several police officers from the Metropolitan Police's Royalty and Specialist Protection Command have been placed on restrictive duties amid allegations of sleeping while on duty. The officers, whose specific numbers have not been disclosed, are understood to have been removed from their frontline roles guarding members of the Royal Family following an internal review.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the situation, stating that the alleged behaviour "falls below the high standards expected" of its officers. While the exact details of where and when these incidents occurred have not been made public, the decision to place the officers on restrictive duties indicates the seriousness with which the force is treating the allegations.
Restrictive duties typically mean that officers are removed from public-facing roles and often assigned to administrative tasks or other non-operational duties while an investigation is conducted. This measure ensures that officers under investigation are not in positions where their alleged conduct could compromise security or public trust.
The Royalty and Specialist Protection Command is responsible for the personal security of the Royal Family, senior government officials, and other protected persons. Their role is critical in safeguarding individuals who are at a heightened risk, and any lapse in vigilance is taken very seriously by the force and the wider security apparatus.
This incident comes at a time when the Met Police is under increased scrutiny regarding its internal standards and conduct. The force has been working to rebuild public trust following a series of high-profile cases involving officer misconduct. Ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and diligence, particularly in sensitive roles such as royal protection, is paramount for the Met.
An internal investigation is expected to be underway to ascertain the full facts surrounding these allegations. Depending on the outcome, disciplinary action could range from formal warnings to dismissal, in line with the Met's professional standards policies. The force has not yet provided a timeline for the completion of this investigation.
Source: Metropolitan Police