Met police officers accused of sleeping while on duty protecting royal family | Metropolitan police
Police officers accused of sleeping at Windsor Castle while they were supposed to be protecting the royal family are being investigated.
Police confirmed that an unspecified number of officers from the Metropolitan Police’s royal family and specialist protection team were being investigated after concerns were raised. The Sun broke the first news storyIt was stated that nearly 30 officers participated in the incident.
Allegations include that the officers were not on duty and slept while on duty.
The force said the Met’s directorate of professional standards (DPS) launched an investigation and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) watchdog was notified. The royal family was informed.
A decision from DPS on whether any of the officers under investigation will be placed on restrictive duties is expected before the end of next week.
The Met said allegations of sleeping at work and leaving duty fell below expected standards. A spokesman said: “The Met’s professional standards directorate launched an urgent investigation following concerns raised about the behavior of some police officers on protective duties at Windsor Castle.
“Allegations include officers leaving off duty and sleeping while on duty. The alleged behavior falls short of the high standards expected of officers, particularly in frontline protective roles.
“The Independent Police Conduct Office has been notified and concluded that this matter will be investigated locally by the Met. “As part of its investigations, the DPS is considering whether any of those under investigation should be reassigned to restricted duties.
“A decision on this matter is expected before next weekend.”
Buckingham Palace declined to comment and the IOPC was unavailable for comment.
