A Met Police officer from Charing Cross has been dismissed after a shocking BBC Panorama exposé revealed him “boasting” about using force on a detainee. PC Jason Sinclair-Birt was caught on undercover footage claiming he “whacked the sh*t out of” a detainee’s legs, describing it with apparent enjoyment. However, he never actually used his baton or employed excessive force.
The incident was discussed at a misconduct hearing, where it was revealed that Sinclair-Birt’s comments were meant as “dark humour” and a form of stress-relieving banter with colleagues. Nevertheless, the false narrative and the attitude portrayed in the footage led to his dismissal for gross misconduct. The hearing’s chairman, Commander Jason Prins, stated that Sinclair-Birt’s choice to share such accounts was inappropriate and gave the impression of reveling in violence.
Three other officers from Charing Cross were also dismissed over misconduct related to the same undercover programme, each facing separate hearings. This series of dismissals highlights significant issues regarding conduct within the force, underscoring the importance of upholding the highest standards in law enforcement.
Do you think humour has any place in recounting serious incidents, or is this a case of going too far? Share your thoughts below!