Indian-Origin Scotland Yard Officer Faces Probe

An Indian-origin British female officer, holding one of the seniormost positions in Scotland Yard, is likely to face an inquiry. There are allegations that she broke the rules on being nominated for a royal honour, reported TOI.

What happened?

Parm Sandhu, who is currently serving as the Temporary Chief Superintendent with the Metropolitan Police, has been accused of severe misconduct. She also received a "gross misconduct" investigation notice by the authorities. Sandhu might face disciplinary charges for the same. She has currently been placed under restricted duties.

According to a statement by the Met Police, "The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) is investigating the conduct of three officers following an allegation that they breached guidelines relating to the UK honours nomination process."

The statement also says, "A temporary chief superintendent currently attached to human resources was served with a gross misconduct notice on Wednesday, 27 June, and has been placed on restricted duties."

One of the two other officers, who have received similar notices, is a detective superintendent and the other an inspector. They both are from frontline policing. However, they both will retain their full duties while the investigations are going on.

What did she do?

According to a report by BBC, the investigators are trying to find out if Sandhu motivated her colleagues to endorse her nomination for a Queen's Police Medal (QPM)

The medal is awarded twice a year by Queen Elizabeth II as part of her honours' lists.

They are given to serving police officers to award them for their distinguished service or outstanding courage in the line of duty.

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According to the National Police Chief Council guidelines, "any person can nominate any other person for an honour". However, people cannot nominate themselves and neither are they supposed to contribute or know about the entire process.

Who is she?

Parm Sandhu joined the police service in 1989. She went on to become borough commander in Richmond-upon-Thames.

Recipient of the Asian Women of Achievement Award, 2006, she is one of the most senior ethnic minority female officers in the Met Police.

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Sandhu had taken to Twitter last month to share that she will be promoted to the position of Chief Superintendent in the Metropolitan Police. She had also added that she will become the first woman of colour to hold this rank.

Representatives of the Police Superintendents' Association are supporting Sandhu.

Picture Credit: Fireclad

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Kriti Dwivedi is an intern with SheThePeople.Tv