Met officer sentenced following unauthorised searches on police systems

A Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer who made unauthorised searches on police computer systems on multiple occasions has been sentenced following an investigation we directed.

PC Mohammed Rahman, aged 39, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday 1 December to 12 months’ imprisonment suspended for two years, 100 hours of community service and 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

He had pleaded guilty in October to seven charges of misconduct in public office (MIPO).

The investigation, which was carried out by the MPS’ anti-corruption unit under our direction, uncovered that between October 2018 and February 2021, when he was arrested, PC Rahman made unlawful searches on various police databases on at least seven occasions to access information about himself, family members and other people known to him.

He also carried out searches on vehicle registration plates and addresses known to him without a policing purpose. Information from these searches were provided to third parties.

IOPC director Steve Noonan said: “PC Rahman knowingly and deliberately made a number of unlawful searches on police databases on family members and people known to him over a lengthy period.

“He abused the trust put in him as a police officer and his actions have the potential to damage the public’s confidence in policing.

“PC Rahman has now been held to account and has faced the consequences of his actions.”

We began our directed investigation in October 2020. Following the conclusion of the investigation in March 2022, a file of evidence was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charges against the officer.

It was also decided that PC Rahman should face a gross misconduct hearing for breaching the police standards of professional behaviour. We will now be progressing disciplinary matters with the force following the conclusion of criminal proceedings.