Sophie Brown is a journalist and editor, who specialises in news and feature writing. She previously worked as a digital news producer and homepage editor for CNN International's Asia bureau in Hong Kong.

What It’s Like To Lose Your Sister in an Honor Killing

25 Apr 2019  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Women's Rights

The article discusses the tragic case of Banaz Mahmod, a victim of an honor killing in the UK, highlighting systemic failures by the police to protect her despite multiple warnings. It draws parallels with the similar case of Raneem Oudeh and her mother, emphasizing the ongoing issue of honor-based violence and the lack of effective police response. Payzee Mahmod, Banaz's sister, and Dr. Roxanne Kahn advocate for increased awareness, better training for public sector workers, and policy reform to address honor-based abuse. The article criticizes the police and government for their inadequate handling of such cases, calling for urgent action to prevent further tragedies.

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Independent Office for Police Conduct Metropolitan Police West Midlands Police Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services HARM (Honour Abuse Research Matrix)

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Woman charged with murder over death of man in Staffordshire

28 Dec 2024  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Murder Investigation

A 33-year-old woman, Kirsty Carless, has been charged with the murder of Louis Price, who died on Christmas Day in Staffordshire. Price, 31, was found in cardiac arrest at a property in Norton Canes and died shortly after. The incident has shocked the local community, with neighbors expressing disbelief and sadness. Floral tributes have been left at the scene, and Price's family described him as a well-loved community member with a passion for fishing and football. Staffordshire police are increasing their presence in the area to provide reassurance and gather evidence, and a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following recent contact.

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Independent Office for Police Conduct Staffordshire Police

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Natalie Chalk is a UK-based journalist who works on the news desk of the Daily Mail. She also works as Late Breaking News Editor at inews on weekends. Prior to this she has contributed articles to The Mail on Sunday, The Big Issue, The Guardian, Daily Express, Sunday Mirror, Women’s Health, TNT ...

Metropolitan Police: More than 300 officers waiting to face misconduct hearings

07 Oct 2023  |  inews.co.uk  |  English  |  Public Trust in Law Enforcement

The Metropolitan Police is facing a significant backlog of 335 officers awaiting gross misconduct hearings, a situation that has arisen in the wake of high-profile cases involving officers like Wayne Couzens and David Carrick. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy has highlighted the need for an ambitious plan to manage the hearings, which includes holding 30 misconduct and 30 gross incompetence hearings per month. This plan requires additional funding and resources. The Met's efforts are part of a broader push for cultural and standards reform within the force, led by Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley. The Home Office has proposed reforms to the police disciplinary system, including automatic dismissal for gross misconduct, subject to exceptional circumstances. Critics have expressed concerns about the pace of the hearings and the potential for chief constables to have too much power in the disciplinary process.

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Home Office Independent Office for Police Conduct Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime Press Association

Isabella Cipirska is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Police officers investigated for manslaughter after 93-year-old disabled man tasered at care home

01 Oct 2023  |  inews.co.uk  |  English  |  Manslaughter Investigation

Two police officers are under criminal investigation for manslaughter after tasering 93-year-old Donald Burgess, a dementia patient with one leg, at a care home in St Leonards, East Sussex. The incident occurred on June 21, following reports that Burgess was threatening staff with a knife. After being tasered, Burgess was taken to the hospital and died three weeks later. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating whether the force used was reasonable and in line with policies. Both officers have been served gross misconduct notices and letters advising them of the criminal investigation. Sussex Police and the IOPC have expressed sympathies to Burgess's family and are cooperating fully with the investigation.

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The Independent Office for Police Conduct Sussex Police

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Phoebe Cooke is a freelance journalist based in London.

London Bridge attack bullet shot through bus past dozens of passengers as cops fired on terrorist

12 Dec 2019  |  The Sun  |  English  |  Public Safety

During the London Bridge attack, a bullet may have endangered passengers by shooting through a double-decker bus. The incident occurred after Usman Khan, who fatally stabbed Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones, was shot dead by police. Witnesses and forensic experts provided insights into the bullet's trajectory, and an inquest, as well as an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, is underway.

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Independent Office for Police Conduct Transport for London Metropolitan Police

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Emma James is a broadcast journalist based in Paris, France. She’s worked for the BBC, ITV and France 24 and has more than 20 years of experience in broadcasting.

Footballer, 27, dies after being hit by police car as heartbroken brother pays tribute

01 Oct 2023  |  The Sun  |  English  |  Police Investigation

Arthur Hoelscher-Ermert, a 27-year-old footballer, died after being hit by a police car in Peacehaven, East Sussex. The incident occurred around 11pm, and despite the efforts of paramedics and an air ambulance, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Sussex Police have referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for investigation. Arthur's brother, Karl, expressed his grief on social media, and the police are appealing for any information or dashcam footage related to the incident. The A259 South Coast Road was temporarily closed for investigation.

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Independent Office for Police Conduct Sussex Police

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Ciaran Jones is a journalist based in Cardiff, United Kingdom. His current position is content editor at WalesOnline.

Top police officer accused of 'inappropriate touching' as three senior officers face gross misconduct claims

05 Apr 2022  |  www.walesonline.co.uk  |  English  |  Public Accountability

Senior police officers from Gwent Police, including Chief Superintendent Mark Warrender, face allegations of gross misconduct, including inappropriate touching and failing to report improper behavior. The misconduct hearing will be held privately, a decision criticized by politicians. The officers have been suspended on full pay since 2019. Previous investigations by Avon and Somerset Police and the Crown Prosecution Service did not result in criminal charges. Gwent Police has faced criticism for its handling of misconduct cases, with Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman issuing a public apology for past failures.

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Independent Office for Police Conduct Avon and Somerset Police Gwent Police Crown Prosecution Service

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Molly Lipson is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

One Year On from Sarah Everard’s Murder: We Must Resist the Police and Protect Our Communities

10 Mar 2023  |  inews.co.uk  |  English  |  Civil Rights

The article reflects on the first anniversary of Sarah Everard's murder by a London police officer, highlighting a series of police misconduct incidents against women and marginalized communities in the UK. It discusses the loss of public trust in the police, especially among women and minority ethnic groups. The piece also critiques the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill, which aims to expand police powers and is seen as a threat to civil liberties. The author mentions grassroots movements like the Kill the Bill campaign and Sisters Uncut, which are organizing against the bill and police brutality. The article argues that policing in Britain has roots in violence and oppression, and that reforming the police is not enough. It calls for community organizing and resistance to police powers, suggesting a vision of a society with less reliance on police forces.

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Independent Office for Police Conduct Metropolitan Police Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Queen Mary University Sisters Uncut Hackney Cop Watch

A reporter with more than five-and-a-half years' experience covering local, national and foreign news from the UK, now a freelancer based in Mexico City. I can provide words and stills but have also reported and produced for television and am expanding my skills as a broadcast journalist.

Murdered sisters' mum slams Met Police for taking 10 months to apologise for 'below standard' investigation

26 Oct 2021  |  www.mylondon.news  |  English  |  Racial Profiling

The mother of murdered sisters Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry criticized the Metropolitan Police for taking 10 months to apologize for their inadequate investigation into the sisters' deaths. The Independent Office for Police Conduct found the police response to be below standard, with issues in handling missing persons inquiries. Mina Smallman accused the police of racial profiling and incompetence, while Met Commissioner Cressida Dick expressed sympathies. MP Barry Gardiner called for comprehensive reform within the Met Police.

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Independent Office for Police Conduct Metropolitan Police

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Natalie Marchant is a journalist based in Manchester, United Kingdom, and an expert in Vienna, Austria.

What we know about Manchester Airport video footage

05 Sept 2023  |  malaysia.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Public Protests

Reform UK plans to launch a private prosecution against two men involved in a disturbance at Manchester Airport if the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) does not charge them. The incident, which occurred on July 24, involved police officers and resulted in injuries, sparking public outrage and protests. Greater Manchester Police are criticized for withholding footage, and the case is under review by the CPS and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC is investigating potential misconduct and discriminatory behavior by police officers. The situation remains complex, with ongoing investigations and legal proceedings.

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Independent Office for Police Conduct Greater Manchester Police Crown Prosecution Service Reform UK

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Chris McKeon is a freelance multimedia journalist based in London, United Kingdom. He has worked across the UK and in Africa, and has an interest in current affairs, politics, economics and sport. He has also worked as a country analyst for a risk consultancy.

He has completed an NCTJ diploma ...

Bristol MP candidate investigated over election

20 Jun 2024  |  www.bristolpost.co.uk  |  English  |  Political Investigation

A Conservative MP candidate in Bristol, Laura Saunders, is under investigation by the Gambling Commission for allegedly placing a bet on the timing of the upcoming general election. This follows similar allegations against another Conservative candidate, Craig Williams. The investigation has also led to the involvement of the Metropolitan Police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The Conservative Party has acknowledged the investigation but refrained from commenting further. Housing Secretary Michael Gove condemned the use of insider information for betting, while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed disappointment over the allegations.

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Independent Office for Police Conduct Metropolitan Police Conservative Party Gambling Commission

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Sir Ivor Roberts is a former British diplomat who served as ambassador in former Yugoslavia, Ireland and Italy. He is the editor of Satow's guide to diplomacy and on the advisory board of The Counter-Extremism project. He is based in Oxford, United Kingdom.

Toothless police failed to stop neighbour from stabbing my husband to death

05 Apr 2022  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  Murder

Can Arslan was found guilty of murdering his neighbor, Matthew Boorman, in Walton Cardiff, Gloucestershire, following a long-standing parking dispute. Despite repeated warnings to the police about Arslan's violent threats, the response was deemed ineffective. Arslan also attacked another neighbor, Peter Marsden, and threatened others. The court heard that Arslan had a personality disorder but was fully aware of his actions. The police and other agencies are under investigation for their handling of the situation prior to the murder.

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Independent Office for Police Conduct Gloucestershire Police Bristol Crown Court

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Talia Shadwell is an award-wining journalist based in London, United Kingdom, originally from New Zealand, available for casual reporting shifts, news feature commissions and assignments.

Sarah Everard killer Wayne Couzens allegedly had 14-year-old girlfriend when he was 23

01 Oct 2021  |  Kent Live  |  English  |  Sexual Abuse

Fresh allegations have emerged about Wayne Couzens, the former Metropolitan Police officer sentenced to life for the murder of Sarah Everard. A former friend claims Couzens had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 23. This revelation follows other disturbing accusations, including Couzens being nicknamed 'The Rapist' by colleagues and exposing himself to a McDonald's worker. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating Kent Police for not probing earlier reports about Couzens. Met chief Cressida Dick faces calls for resignation over her handling of the case and the policing of a vigil for Everard. Former Met officer Parm Sandhu highlights a sexist and misogynistic culture within the force, where female officers fear reporting male colleagues' suspicious behavior.

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Independent Office for Police Conduct Kent Police Metropolitan Police

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An editor with an international background and a strong focus on digital news. I have experience managing an award-winning team that produces both long-form series and daily news. I have worked at The Times, The Sunday Times, The Daily Telegraph and Newsweek as a staff member.

Sarah Everard murder: Wayne Couzens given whole-life sentence

30 Sept 2021  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Police Misconduct

Wayne Couzens, a former Metropolitan Police officer, has been sentenced to a whole-life order for the abduction, rape, and murder of Sarah Everard. The case has sparked widespread outrage and calls for police reform, with senior officials acknowledging the breach of public trust. The sentencing judge emphasized the severity of Couzens' misuse of his police role, equating it to a terrorist act. The article includes emotional statements from Everard's family and criticism of the Metropolitan Police's handling of the case.

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Independent Office for Police Conduct Metropolitan Police Old Bailey

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Jerome is The Times Africa Correspondent, based in Nairobi. Before that he lived in Afghanistan and worked for various newspapers and broadcasters.

Top cop accused of wearing ‘fake’ Falklands War medal referred to CPS as 'criminal offence may have been committed'

10 Apr 2024  |  The Sun  |  English  |  Criminal Investigation

Northants Chief Constable Nick Adderley is under investigation for allegedly wearing a Falklands War medal he did not earn and lying about his Royal Navy service. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has submitted evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for potential criminal charges. Adderley, who is suspended but still receiving his salary, faces possible dismissal if the allegations are proven. The South Atlantic Medal Association has condemned his actions as 'shameful.'

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Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire Independent Office for Police Conduct Crown Prosecution Service South Atlantic Medal Association

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EJ Ward is a Broadcast Journalist based in London, United Kingdom. With experience working across a range of media EJ is skilled at broadcast journalism and live reporting. Experienced in managing a newsroom he currently works as a News Editor and Producer for Sino Radio UK, part of the GBTIMES ...

Mother of 10-year-old girl Tasered in own home says she wouldn't have called police if she knew what would happen

01 Oct 2023  |  LBC  |  English  |  Use of Force

A mother regrets calling the police after her 10-year-old daughter, who was threatening her with a hammer and garden shears, was tasered twice by PC Jonathan Broadhead within eight seconds of entering their home. The Independent Office for Police Conduct claims the officer's actions amount to gross misconduct, arguing the use of force was not reasonable or proportionate. The officer denies the allegations, and the misconduct panel hearing is ongoing. The incident has raised questions about police use of force and de-escalation tactics.

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Metropolitan Police Independent Office for Police Conduct

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Correspondent and video journalist based in Istanbul. I have been working as a writer and broadcast journalist for over 15 years with some of the world’s leading media organisations, delivering creative, high quality audio, video and digital storytelling to diverse audiences across the globe. 

A ...

Met Police investigated over two child strip searches

01 Aug 2022  |  www.channel4.com  |  English  |  Child Rights

The police watchdog is investigating two additional cases where children were strip-searched by Metropolitan Police officers, adding to three ongoing investigations involving girls. The most notable case involves Child Q, who was strip-searched at school while on her period.

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Independent Office for Police Conduct Metropolitan Police

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