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Five police officers are under disciplinary investigation after they detained and handcuffed British athlete Bianca Williams and her partner, the police watchdog announced.
The investigation covers allegations that officers violated police standards of professional behavior related to the use of force, duties and responsibilities, authority, respect, and courtesy.
The investigation into the misconduct allegations will also examine whether the couple “was treated less favorably because of their race,” the Independent Office of Police Conduct announced.
Williams and his partner, Ricardo dos Santos, a Portuguese sprinter, were stopped by Metropolitan Police officers on July 4 as they were driving home in west London in their Mercedes.
The couple were handcuffed while their son was in the car in an incident that sparked controversy over police conduct and allegations of racial profiling, which the Met denies. It was one of a series of videos that appeared on social media that raised concerns about police tactics and policies.
The IOPC said the five officers were being investigated for misconduct. He stressed that this does not mean that disciplinary charges would follow.
The police watchdog said the officers faced charges for their treatment of Dos Santos. “Possible infractions, which will be fully investigated, include: the way some agents initially approached Mr. Dos Santos; initially handcuffing Mr. Dos Santos and keeping him handcuffed after being searched; and his continued detention and whether there were reasons to do so.
Regarding Williams, the police watchdog said: “Possible infractions, which will be thoroughly investigated, include seizing her without first seeking her cooperation in the search; initially handcuff her and continue to handcuff her after she has been searched; his continued detention and whether there were grounds for doing so. “
Williams and Dos Santos are trained by former Olympic champion Linford Christie, who accused the police of institutional racism. Video of the incident in northwest London showed Williams, apparently distraught, telling officers: “My son is in the car.”
Following news of the investigation, Dos Santos told the Palestinian Authority news agency: “The IOPC did not notify us that a decision had been made and that they would make it public today. We have not had any direct contact from the IOPC or any information to understand why they are only considering misconduct and not serious misconduct. We will answer this tomorrow. “
IOPC Regional Director Sal Naseem said: “Having analyzed a variety of evidence, including the [cameras], dashcam video, and witness statements, we now have a more complete picture of the officers’ interactions with the couple and their son.
“As a result, we have made the decision that this meets the threshold for a misconduct investigation. The allegations will now be fully and independently investigated.
“It is important to note that a misconduct investigation does not necessarily mean that misconduct procedures will be followed. Decisions on any further action will only be made after our investigation is complete. “
The Met said: “Delivery of notices does not necessarily mean that misconduct procedures will be followed. The agents involved are from the territorial support group. No officer is suspended or subject to restricted duties. The MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) continues to cooperate fully with the IOPC investigation. ”
The IOPC also said it would be investigating why the Mercedes was followed and whether the force used was legal, necessary, reasonable and proportionate. It would also examine “whether there were legitimate reasons for a Merlin report to be created for your baby in the back of the car.”
Merlin is a database run by the Met that stores information about children known to the police for any reason.
Investigators will also examine the accuracy of accounts provided by officers and statements made by the Met after the incident.
Met Commissioner Cressida Dick has said the force apologized to Williams for “the distress it has clearly caused her.”
Williams, 26, believes the stop is due to her race.
