A former police officer caught on camera expressing his enjoyment of using force against detainees would have faced immediate dismissal had he not already resigned, according to temporary chief constable Maggie Blyth. The officer, Peter Greaves, was employed by the Metropolitan Police Service when he was filmed in November 2024 by the BBC documentary series, Panorama, at the Charing Cross Police Station. The footage revealed troubling evidence of racism, Islamophobia, and misogyny within the police force.
Following his secret filming, Greaves transferred to Gloucestershire Constabulary in March 2025 after undergoing a vetting process compliant with the College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice and its Vetting Code of Practice. He subsequently resigned in November 2025. The documentary featuring his comments aired on October 1, 2025, capturing him stating that he would break the fingers of detainees who resisted providing fingerprints.
An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) led to an accelerated misconduct hearing, which took place on January 9, 2026, under the oversight of T/CC Blyth. The hearing concluded that Greaves’ conduct breached the standards of professional behaviour, particularly regarding discreditable conduct. Blyth determined that he would have been dismissed without notice had he not already resigned.
In light of these findings, Greaves’ name will be added to the Police Barred List maintained by the College of Policing. This action prevents him from rejoining the police force or being employed by associated organizations. T/CC Blyth remarked, “While there is no evidence former PC Greaves actually inflicted physical harm on members of the public, his comments were shocking and seriously harmed public confidence in policing.”
To date, the Metropolitan Police has dismissed seven officers featured in the Panorama episode. Another hearing for an officer connected to the detention unit remains scheduled for a future date. The IOPC’s investigation into the allegations at Charing Cross is ongoing, highlighting the continuing scrutiny faced by the police force in addressing internal misconduct and rebuilding public trust.
