Met using 'Al Capone approach' to root out misconduct in force

The Metropolitan Police says it is using an "Al Capone" approach to root out misconduct by its own officers.

As part of the biggest ever clear-out, the Met has removed more than 1,400 officers from the force from 2022 up to June 2025 for failing to meet standards.

Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes compared the approach to that of the American FBI who prosecuted Al Capone in the 1930s for tax evasion, rather than the murders he was suspected of. But Jukes insisted that failing officers will not get away with just being sacked.

"What we won't do in that process is neglect serious criminality or serious misconduct," he said.

"But rather than wait we'll put them out the door first, and we'll continue with those investigations, if that's the right thing to do."

"We're keen to exit those officers who don't display the standards required in the organisation, and we're going to do that in ways which are quick and focused," Jukes added.

He said sickness, grievances, overtime and the use of devices would be examined to identify officers of concern.

Separately, on Friday, the force said it had suspended eight officers and a staff member after allegations about staff in the custody suite at Charing Cross police station that arose from a BBC Panorama investigation.

Detective Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said he was in the process of "dismantling" the custody team at Charing Cross.

He said all 16 custody sergeants and all 34 designated detention officers were being moved to other sites.

DAC Adelekan said it was "absolutely necessary to challenge the unacceptable culture we find in our custody environment".

A separate investigation of officers' behaviour in north-west London has led to a detective inspector being charged with perverting the course of justice.

"We are breaking up and busting up teams," Jukes said.

The clear-out, sparked in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard by serving officer Wayne Couzens, is the largest in the force's history.

Some 557 Met officers were "exited" last year alone - up from 146 in 2021.

Jukes said it was having "as big an impact as the pursuit of corrupt officers in Sir Robert Marks' commissionership".

He said the force now had "one of the strongest ever vetting entry systems".