Anjali Sharma
15 Acacia Avenue
Ealing
London W5 1AA
23 May 2024
The Head of Professional Standards
Metropolitan Police Service
Directorate of Professional Standards
10 Lamb’s Conduit Street
London WC1N 3NR
Dear Sir/Madam,
**Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Serious Misconduct by a Police Officer**
I am writing to lodge a formal complaint against a police officer who identified himself as PC John Smith (collar number PC123) of the Metropolitan Police. This complaint concerns his conduct on 15 May 2024, at approximately 3:00 PM at my family’s property located at 27 Elm Drive, Southall, UB1 2BB. His actions involved a serious physical assault and threats to kill made against my younger sister, Priya Sharma.
The incident arose from an ongoing civil dispute concerning the boundary of the aforementioned property. PC Smith, who we understand is related to the neighbouring party, arrived at the property in plain clothes and in a private vehicle. He immediately began shouting at my sister, Priya, about the dispute. Despite being off-duty, he repeatedly stated that he was a police officer and that we should not challenge him.
When Priya calmly asked him to leave our property, PC Smith became aggressive. He grabbed her by the arm, twisted it behind her back, and pushed her against a wall. This action caused her significant pain and bruising. While holding her, he said, “If you or anyone in your family ever mentions this land again, I will kill you. I know where you live.” This constitutes a direct and credible threat to her life. Several neighbours witnessed this event.
The conduct of PC Smith falls far below the standard expected of a police officer and constitutes a severe breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour, as outlined in the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020. His actions specifically breach the standards of:
* **Authority, Respect and Courtesy:** The officer acted in an abusive and threatening manner.
* **Use of Force:** The physical assault on Priya was entirely unnecessary, disproportionate, and unlawful. It was an abuse of his physical power, exacerbated by his claims to be an officer.
* **Honesty and Integrity:** The officer used his status to intimidate and threaten a member of the public in a private dispute, which fundamentally undermines public trust in the police service.
Furthermore, PC Smith’s actions appear to constitute serious criminal offences. The physical assault could be classified as a Battery or an Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm, contrary to the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. The verbal threat constitutes a Threat to Kill, which is a separate and serious offence under section 16 of the same Act.
Given the gravity of this conduct, I believe it amounts to ‘gross misconduct’ under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020, as it is a “breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour that is so serious as to justify dismissal” (Regulation 2(1)).
We have evidence to support this complaint, including photographs of Priya’s injuries and the contact details of two independent witnesses who are willing to provide statements. Priya has also received medical attention for her injuries.
In accordance with the police complaints procedure established under the Police Reform Act 2002, I request a full and independent investigation into this matter. I also request that this case be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for consideration of criminal charges against PC Smith. I wish to be kept informed of the progress and outcome of your investigation.
This incident has left my sister deeply distressed and fearful for her safety. We trust that you will treat this complaint with the seriousness it deserves.
Yours faithfully,
A. Sharma
Anjali Sharma
References
College of Policing. (2020) *Guidance on the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020*.
Independent Office for Police Conduct. (2020) Statutory guidance on the police complaints system. IOPC.
**Legislation**
Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/4.
Police Reform Act 2002.
