Misconduct proven for Met officer following investigation into Croydon fare evasion arrest incident

A Met Police officer, who used disrespectful language to a woman during an incident where she was being arrested, has been found to have committed misconduct by a disciplinary panel.

The finding follows an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct into an incident where the woman was arrested on suspicion of fare evasion in Croydon in 2023.

The woman was de-arrested at the scene after it was confirmed that she had paid the fare.

PC Perry Lathwood faced a three-day hearing over allegations that he breached the police standards of professional behaviour regarding the force he used – including applying handcuffs, how he dealt with the woman and the language and tone used, and that he acted in a sexist way towards her.

Today a police disciplinary panel determined that PC Lathwood breached the standard relating to authority, respect and courtesy for calling the woman a “daft cow” during the incident.

He was cleared of further allegations that he breached standards relating to equality and diversity, use of force, and discreditable conduct.

He will be given a written warning.

IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “Police officers must treat members of the public with respect and courtesy during the course of their duties.

“This was a distressing incident for the woman, who was handcuffed in public in front of her child, and the language used by PC Lathwood was disrespectful and unprofessional.

“This was a high-profile incident which caused significant public concern at the time, particularly in the Croydon community, and we know this interaction continues to have a lasting impact on the woman involved.”

Our investigation began following the Met’s referral of a complaint made on behalf of the woman. We completed our investigation in six months and referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, who authorised a charge of assault by beating against PC Lathwood.

In June 2024, PC Lathwood was convicted of assault by beating, however this conviction was overturned last year following an appeal.