Elham Asaad Buaras
A BBC Panorama investigation has exposed deep-seated racism, Islamophobia, and misogyny within the Metropolitan Police, documenting officers threatening to shoot immigrants, mocking Muslim detainees, and dismissing rape claims, which has triggered a wave of disciplinary action and a crisis of public confidence.
The documentary, Undercover in the Police, aired on October 3, follows journalist Rory Bibb, who spent seven months working covertly as a civilian detention officer at Charing Cross police station.
His footage captured a work environment where bigoted attitudes were normalized, with officers expressing virulently anti-Muslim views both on and off duty.
The investigation revealed a culture of contempt for Islamic practices. Officers were filmed laughing after learning Muslim detainees had been served non-halal meals, mocked those requesting prayer mats, and mimicked Arabic speech. In a particularly egregious incident, officers joked about raiding a mosque during Friday prayers.
The undercover recordings captured specific racist and Islamophobic rhetoric. PC Phil Neilson, filmed off-duty, said of an immigrant, “Either put a bullet through his head or deport him.” He added, “Algerians and Somalians are scum… I’ve seen too many Islamics [sic] committing crimes. Their way of life is not the correct way of life.” His colleague, PC Martin Borg, replied: “Muslims hate us. They f***ing hate us. Proper hate us… Islam is a problem. A serious problem, I think.”
The fallout has been swift and extensive. Accelerated misconduct hearings have led to the dismissal of four officers, with more proceedings scheduled. On October 24, PC Jason Sinclair-Birt was fired for gross misconduct after being filmed “boasting about and revelling in the use of force” on a detainee.
The hearing was told he gave a “false account” of “whacking” a detainee’s legs for “comedic effect,” which the panel chair said was “meant to be taken at face value.” Body-worn footage later contradicted his account, showing he did not use his baton.
This followed the October 23 dismissals of Sergeant Joe McIlvenny and PCs Philip Neilson and Martin Borg, whose conduct was described by the hearing chair as a “disgrace.” In total, ten former and current officers from Charing Cross are facing hearings, with proceedings for Sgt Clayton Robinson adjourned until October 28 and three others to later dates.
The scandal has provoked a high-level institutional conflict. Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, while acknowledging the force had “let people down” and calling the behaviour “reprehensible,” publicly criticised the BBC for delays in providing unaired footage. He said this was “extremely frustrating” and caused “unnecessary complications” and adjournments. The BBC responded that it was “actively engaged with assisting the IOPC,” which confirmed it was “grateful” for the new material and was reviewing it.
The revelations have drawn severe condemnation. The Association of Muslim Police (AMP) said the footage caused “fear, pain and frustration” and would “inevitably erode trust” in policing. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the findings as “shocking” and demanded a “strong and credible response.”
In an op-ed for The Muslim News, Commissioner Rowley outlined what he called the most extensive anti-corruption drive in Met history, which has already removed nearly 1,500 officers. His reform plan includes enhanced counter-terrorism-style vetting, independent scrutiny by racial justice and faith groups, and mandatory bias training.
He pointed to a 10% rise in confidence among minority Londoners as an encouraging sign, but acknowledged: “These figures are encouraging, but they don’t mean the problem is solved. Cultural change demands relentless effort, innovation, and honesty.”
The repercussions have extended nationally, with Gloucestershire Constabulary suspending an officer who transferred from Charing Cross. A serving Met sergeant from the station has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice in connection with the investigation, underscoring the profound and ongoing impact of the exposed corruption.
Feature photo: The documentary Undercover in the Police, aired on October 3, follows journalist Rory Bibb, who spent seven months working covertly as a civilian detention officer at Charing Cross police station. (Credit: Google Map)
