Metropolitan Police officer dismissed for falsely claiming to have been attacked in pub altercation in Clapham

Detective Constable Alison Campbell of the Metropolitan Police was found to have breached professional behaviour standards in relation to discreditable conduct, honesty, integrity, and authority, respect and diversity. She was off duty when she was involved in a fight at a pub in Clapham, during which she falsely claimed to colleagues that she was surrounded by 50 people. Following this incident, she contacted police and falsely stated that she had identified herself as an officer when accosted by an aggressive group while with a domestic violence victim. Campbell resigned from the Met before her misconduct hearing concluded, and her actions were described as “shocking” by Superintendent Jack Rowlands, who stated that she would have been dismissed had she not resigned.

Superintendent Rowlands emphasized that Campbell’s actions had no place in the Metropolitan Police and that she attempted to extricate herself from the situation by lying to colleagues. He stated that it was appropriate for her to have been dismissed had she not resigned. He also expressed hope that the outcome of this case would send a clear message to Londoners that the Met is dedicated to removing those who are not fit to police from the organization. As a result of her actions, Campbell will be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing, which prevents individuals on the list from being employed by police forces, local policing bodies, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

The incident involving Detective Constable Campbell occurred during a brawl with two members of the public in a pub in Clapham in July 2021. Despite being off duty, Campbell became involved in the altercation and later falsely claimed that she was surrounded by a large group of people during the fight. This false statement was a breach of professional standards and demonstrated a lack of honesty and integrity on her part. The fact that she resigned from the Met before her misconduct hearing was concluded indicates that she recognized the severity of her actions and chose to take responsibility for them.

Superintendent Rowlands, who leads policing for Camden and Islington, condemned Campbell’s actions and emphasized that they were unacceptable within the Metropolitan Police. He highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards of conduct and behavior within the police force and reiterated the commitment to removing individuals who are not fit to serve as police officers. By adding Campbell to the Barred List held by the College of Policing, it ensures that she will not be able to work in any policing-related capacity in the future, thereby holding her accountable for her misconduct.

The consequences of Detective Constable Campbell’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding professional standards and integrity within law enforcement. The swift response from the Metropolitan Police in holding her accountable for her dishonesty and discreditable conduct demonstrates a commitment to maintaining public trust and confidence in the police force. By taking decisive action and ensuring that individuals who breach professional standards are not allowed to continue serving as officers, the Met is sending a clear message that misconduct will not be tolerated within its ranks. This case serves as an example of the consequences that can result from dishonesty and breach of professional standards in law enforcement, ensuring that those who are not fit to police are appropriately removed from their positions.