A Metropolitan Police officer, PC Philip Neilson, has been dismissed for gross misconduct after he was caught on camera making racist and violent remarks in a BBC Panorama undercover investigation.
Neilson, who served with the Met for four years, was filmed referring to an “invasion” of “scum” from the Middle East and making derogatory comments about people from Algeria and Somalia. He also said a detainee who had overstayed his visa should have a “bullet through his head.”
The hearing in south-west London on Thursday upheld three allegations against him, including highly racist and discriminatory remarks, glorifying the “inappropriate use of force” on a restrained detainee, and suggesting unlawful violence against migrants.
Delivering judgement, Commander Jason Prins, who chaired the disciplinary panel, said Neilson’s actions caused “significant harm” to the reputation of the Metropolitan Police and public confidence in policing.
“He alone was responsible for the comments and it was or must have been obvious to him his comments were abhorrent,” Cmdr Prins said, describing the officer’s conduct as an “utter disgrace.”
Neilson did not dispute the comments attributed to him in the BBC footage but argued that they amounted to “just misconduct,” not gross misconduct.
Giving evidence at the hearing, he denied being racist and claimed the undercover reporter had “breached his human rights” and “egged him on” during the conversations. He told the panel he had consumed “eight or nine pints of Guinness” at the pub and insisted he was not a habitual drinker.
“I did not discriminate against anyone,” Neilson said. “Footage from my body-worn camera would show that no matter the ethnicity, I did everything with the utmost respect.”
However, the panel rejected his defence, ruling that his words and behaviour were wholly incompatible with the values of the police service.
The Metropolitan Police had earlier stated that Neilson “displayed extreme racial, violent and discriminatory views,” showing a lack of “respect, courtesy, and professionalism.”
Neilson is the first of ten current or former Met officers facing accelerated misconduct hearings following the BBC Panorama investigation. The force confirmed that the proceedings are part of efforts to address racism and misconduct exposed in the undercover footage.
Hearings for two other officers, PC Martin Borg and PS Joe McIlvenny are also scheduled. Both face allegations of gross misconduct that could lead to their dismissal.
A Met spokesperson said the force was seeking the dismissal of all three officers “on the grounds their conduct amounted to gross misconduct and breached professional standards.”
Neilson was consequently dismissed with immediate effect.
