In the wake of a recent gross misconduct hearing, it has been determined that a former Scotland Yard sergeant of Indian origin, Anish Sharma, would have faced dismissal without notice while still in his policing role. This decision stems from his breach of professional standards due to what was described as "inappropriate behavior" during his tenure as a police officer.
Anish Sharma, the former Metropolitan Police Sergeant, was stationed in the West Area Command of the London police force. He faced allegations of professional standards violations in the areas of honesty and integrity, discreditable conduct, equality, and diversity, as well as authority, respect, and courtesy. During the hearing held on a Friday, it was established that he had transgressed standards across all the aforementioned categories.
Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, responsible for policing in the West Area Command, characterized Sharma's actions as both reprehensible and cowardly. He emphasized that following his completely inappropriate conduct, Sharma engaged in improper communications with a third party and deleted numerous messages before his arrest and subsequent interview. This pattern of behavior, according to Wilson, clearly demonstrates that Sharma falls far short of the standards expected from police officers and staff. As a result, the panel rightfully decided to ensure that he would never work in policing again.
The Metropolitan Police reported that on July 30, 2021, Anish Sharma attended a party in the Thames Valley area. While in the garden, he inappropriately touched a woman without her consent, placing his hand on her thigh. He then exposed himself to her. Subsequently, the woman informed a third party, who relayed this information back to Sharma. Communication ensued between Sharma and this individual, some of which was later deleted by Sharma prior to his arrest and subsequent interview.
On July 31, 2021, Sharma was taken into custody by officers from Thames Valley Police on suspicion of sexual assault by touching, and he was suspended from his duty as a police officer. The criminal investigation was eventually closed with no further action, and a gross misconduct hearing was organized. On April 3 of the current year, Sharma chose to resign from the Metropolitan Police.
Following the recent hearing, Sharma will be included in the Barred List maintained by the UK's College of Policing. Individuals listed on this register are ineligible for employment by the police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct, or Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.
