A misconduct hearing has found a former officer would have been dismissed for bullying and discriminatory and offensive remarks he made to colleagues had he not resigned.
The investigation into former Detective Sergeant Ian Beattie’s actions began after concerned colleagues reported his behaviour through the Met’s misconduct reporting channels.
At a hearing held that concluded on Friday, 16 June, he was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of authority, respect and courtesy, and equality and diversity, and would have been dismissed.
Beattie resigned in April 2022.
Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens, head of Roads and Transport Policing, said: “No one should have to suffer the kind of abuse former officer Beattie subjected people to while he was in the Met.
“I am appalled and deeply saddened at the atrocious behaviour he displayed. It has absolutely no place within my command, or the wider organisation, and I reiterate the Commissioner’s widely expressed commitment to root out those who seek to corrupt our integrity.
“I am pleased that the courage of the people who came forward to report his wrongdoing has been vindicated in his dismissal, had he still been serving.
“It is thanks to those officers that someone who does not belong in the Met are no longer serving, and we can take another small step forwards to becoming the organisation we are striving to be.”
A professional standards investigation was launched in December 2022 after it was alleged that between July 2019 and October 2021, former DS Beattie behaved in a discriminatory and disrespectful way towards a number of officers under his command.
This included threatening another officer with violence and referring to them in a belittling and demeaning way. Former Detective Sgt Beattie made comments that were insulting, disparaging and caused alarm and distress to the officer concerned.
It was further alleged that former DS Beattie made remarks about gay officers that were inappropriate and offensive, and discriminated in favour of officers that he found attractive. He also allegedly made sexually inappropriate comments about female officers.
Beattie 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.
The Commissioner has set out how the Met will achieve its mission for More Trust, Less Crime and High Standards over the next two years through the Turnaround Plan. A draft plan has been published and, following further consultation, will be finalised soon. The plan is clear on the need for us to get the basics right to better serve Londoners.
Anyone with any information about a police officer or member of staff who works for the Met and is corrupt, abusing their position and power, can call the Anti-Corruption and Abuse Hotline, run by the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 085 0000 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-org.uk.
