A Metropolitan Police officer, Detective Sergeant Kamran Yaqub, has been dismissed without notice following a misconduct review that uncovered a pattern of harassment and homophobic remarks directed at colleagues. The review found Yaqub guilty of gross misconduct for his “unwanted, unwarranted, and unnecessary” behavior and conduct of a sexual nature towards four female colleagues between February 2020 and March 2021. Additionally, it was alleged that he made homophobic comments regarding a gay prisoner sometime between April 2020 and early 2021.
Despite Yaqub's denial of these accusations, the misconduct panel heard compelling evidence of his inappropriate behavior. Yaqub was found to have “patted” a female colleague on the forearm, causing discomfort, and consistently invaded the personal space of others. One colleague (referred to as LM) reported that Yaqub appeared uninvited at her desk, standing uncomfortably close, which left her feeling uneasy, especially due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as her husband was unwell.
LM had initially given her mobile number to Yaqub to join a WhatsApp group to assist with her preparation for sergeants' examinations. However, she began receiving unsolicited direct messages from him, asking about her marital status and making comments that she found inappropriate. The panel concluded that his conduct was harassing, creating an intimidating and offensive environment for LM.
Another female officer, identified as FC, reported an incident in which Yaqub asked who was dealing with a gay prisoner, using a derogatory term. FC challenged him on this homophobic incident, which was witnessed by others at the Met. Although Yaqub denied making the statement, the panel held him solely responsible for the proven homophobic incident.
The panel also heard that Yaqub made unwelcome comments to another female officer referred to as Officer X. Yaqub had told her to “just bring yourself and your beautiful smile, nothing else” when arranging for her to get a COVID-19 vaccine. He also sent messages with comments like “I really like you” and “You were the sunshine last night.” Yaqub attempted to defend his messages as part of his “style” of interacting with colleagues, but the panel ruled that his behavior was “unwanted, unwarranted, and unnecessary.”
The panel emphasized the actual harm caused to the four female complainants, who described the psychological impact on their personal and professional lives due to Yaqub's conduct. The complainants spoke of distress, self-doubt, discomfort, fear, and altering their work patterns to avoid encountering Yaqub at Charing Cross.
One of the female officers, Officer X, required welfare support for over two years as a result of Yaqub's unwanted harassment. The panel's decision to dismiss Yaqub reflects the seriousness of his misconduct and sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated within the Metropolitan Police.
Yaqub's case highlights the importance of addressing harassment and discrimination within law enforcement agencies, promoting a workplace culture of respect, inclusivity, and accountability.
