A serving police officer has been dismissed from the Metropolitan Police Service following the conclusion of a misconduct hearing.
PC Matthew Steel, attached to Met Operations Taskforce, was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to ‘discreditable conduct’.
The hearing was presented with evidence that PC Steel inappropriately touched a female colleague during a night out in May 2022 when both officers were off duty.
The incident was reported to the Directorate of Professional Standards who carried out an investigation. PC Steel was placed on restricted duties from July 2022 when this investigation commenced.
At the conclusion of the hearing on Wednesday, 15 November, the panel found the allegation proven and confirmed PC Steel’s behaviour amounted to gross misconduct. He was dismissed without notice.
Superintendent Martin Kirby, lead officer for Met Operations Taskforce, said: “The Met demands the highest standards from our officers while both on and off duty. PC Steel’s behaviour has fallen far below this level and he has been dismissed from his role.
“We have been clear in our commitment to remove any officer who does not attain the standards we, and the public, rightfully demand.”
PC Steel 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 Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.
