Acting sergeant Rachel Bright sacked by Met Police after misconduct hearing

Acting sergeant Rachel Bright has been dismissed from the Metropolitan Police after a misconduct hearing found she committed gross misconduct. The force stated her actions were "wholly unacceptable" and fell "far short of the standards expected of police officers."

Bright was accused of inappropriately touching a woman at a bar in Clapham, South London, in December 2022. She had been suspended in 2023 after being charged with sexual assault. A jury at Kingston Crown Court found her not guilty of the sexual assault charge in 2024.

Misconduct Hearing Findings

Despite the acquittal, the Metropolitan Police's Directorate of Professional Standards proceeded with a misconduct hearing. The panel heard evidence that Bright repeatedly demonstrated inappropriate behaviour towards a woman she knew, touching her in a "deliberate and unsolicited manner". The allegations were found proven, with the panel concluding Bright had breached the standards of professional behaviour concerning discreditable conduct.

Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles thanked the woman who reported the incident for her courage. He stated, "Anyone who fails to uphold our standards should expect to be held accountable."

As a result of the gross misconduct finding, Acting sergeant Rachel Bright will be placed on the College of Policing Barred List. This prevents her from taking up future employment within the policing sector.