Investigation into conduct of PCSO at crime scene - Metropolitan Police Service, September 2021

Published 05 Jul 2022
Investigation

In September 2021, a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) attended the scene of a triple fatal road traffic accident.

Whilst on the scene, the PCSO used his personal mobile phone to take six photographs of the scene. At the time the PCSO took the photographs, the bodies of the deceased had been removed.

The PCSO was arrested. In interview, he explained that he took the photographs for his own personal use, to document the fragility of life. He said that he thought it was very common for other members of the police service to take pictures of scenes. The PCSO's phone was downloaded and it was found that he had taken several images of another, non fatal, road accident.

Our investigation concluded in May 2022. 

We found the PSCO had a case to answer for misconduct and should attend a misconduct meeting. 

We carefully considered whether there were any learning opportunities arising from the investigation. We make learning recommendations to improve policing and public confidence in the police complaints system and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. 

In this case, the investigation identified one area for organisational learning.

IOPC reference

2021/165029
Date of recommendation
Date response due

Recommendations