Investigation into conduct of PCSO at crime scene - Metropolitan Police Service, September 2021
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
Recommendations
The IOPC recommends that the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) should provide clear, force-wide, guidance for officers and staff in relation to their use of personal devices at scenes of crime or whilst involved in any other policing activity. The MPS should also take appropriate steps to ensure new and existing officers and staff are aware of this guidance.
This follows an IOPC investigation where a PCSO was found to have used their personal mobile phone to take a number of photographs at the scene of a fatal road traffic collision. The PCSO had no policing reason to take the pictures. When interviewed, the PCSO admitted to taking pictures at another scene and explained they they felt the practice was not uncommon. There have been a number of referrals from the MPS to the IOPC in recent years regarding allegations of a similar nature. During the investigation, the MPS was asked whether there was any policy, training, or other guidance regarding the use of personal mobile phones - particularly with regard to taking pictures at crime scenes. The MPS explained that no such guidance existed.
The use of personal devices to photograph crime scenes or other material related to policing activity is unacceptable. The MPS effectively loses control of the photograph and has limited or no means to audit what happens to the image. The simple act of the officer taking the picture could jeopardise the investigation - for example, disturbing a scene by walking through it. The news that such images have been taken on a personal device and for no policing purpose is upsetting for those connected to the incident.
Given the harm which can be caused and the evidence of a wider organisational issue, it is important that the MPS sets clear expectations with regard to this topic.