PC Richard Marus dismissed after misconduct hearing over force and victim comments

A Metropolitan Police officer has been dismissed after a hearing found he made inappropriate comments about the use of force and victims of crime. PC Richard Marus, attached to the Central West Command Unit, was dismissed without notice on 4 August following an accelerated gross misconduct hearing at Charing Cross police station.

The hearing established that Marus boasted about driving a police vehicle inappropriately. He also suggested he looked forward to using force on members of the public and made dismissive remarks about people reporting phone crime. The Metropolitan Police said the behaviour was captured on camera during BBC Panorama’s undercover filming, though it was not broadcast in October.

Footage shared with police watchdog

Unaired footage from the BBC investigation was later shared with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC is continuing its investigation into the behaviour of several officers at Charing Cross. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Marus’s comments were deemed to breach standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy, and discreditable conduct.

Commander Simon Messinger, who leads on professionalism for the Metropolitan Police, said the dismissal demonstrates the force’s commitment to addressing cultural issues. He told the Metropolitan Police website, "PC Marus is the eleventh serving officer to be dismissed for unacceptable conduct at Charing Cross and we continue to support the ongoing IOPC investigation."

Barred from policing roles

Marus will be added to the College of Policing’s barred list. This prevents him from rejoining the police or working for other police-related bodies. The Metropolitan Police said the decision reflects the seriousness of the misconduct findings.

The hearing also heard that Marus claimed he would make comments he considered "arrest worthy" when speaking to people he knew, but would be more cautious around new recruits. The Metropolitan Police did not specify whether any of the comments led to formal complaints from the public.

What happens next

The IOPC’s investigation into conduct at Charing Cross police station remains ongoing. The Metropolitan Police has not confirmed whether further misconduct hearings are scheduled. Residents who believe they were affected by the behaviour of officers at Charing Cross can contact the IOPC directly.