Met Police officer dismissed after photographing dead body in Barnet

A Metropolitan Police officer has been dismissed without notice after taking a photograph of a dead body during a sudden death call in Barnet. PC Timothy Robson, who served in the North East Area Command, was found to have breached multiple professional standards following a misconduct hearing.

The incident occurred on 10 September 2025, when Robson attended a sudden death and used his personal mobile phone to take the image. The hearing established he had no legitimate policing reason for doing so. He later showed or offered to show the photograph to several colleagues.

Breaches of professional conduct

The misconduct panel ruled Robson violated four standards of professional behaviour: discreditable conduct, authority, respect and courtesy, and duties and responsibilities. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the decision in a statement released on 15 October 2025.

Superintendent Jai Singh, from the North East Area Command, described Robson’s actions as abhorrent. He said, "PC Robson has acted abhorrently and without any thought for the dignity of the individual and their loved ones." Singh also apologised to those affected by the incident.

Singh praised the colleagues who reported Robson’s behaviour, stating their actions enabled the force to take decisive steps. The officer will now be added to the College of Policing barred list, which prevents him from rejoining the police or working for other policing-related organisations.

What happens next

Robson’s inclusion on the barred list is automatic following his dismissal. The College of Policing confirmed the listing will take effect within 28 days. No further disciplinary action by the Metropolitan Police is expected, though the Independent Office for Police Conduct may review the case if new evidence emerges.

The force has not disclosed the location of the sudden death or the identity of the deceased. Residents with concerns about the incident can contact the Metropolitan Police’s North East Area Command via its public enquiry line.