Britain’s one of the senior-most Indian descent female officers has been placed on restricted duties as Scotland Yard probes allegations that she broke the regulations on being nominated for a royal honor.
Parm Sandhu, presently serving as Temporary Chief Superintendent with the Metropolitan Police, has formerly served with a “gross misconduct” investigation notice and could possibly face an earnest disciplinary charge.
“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 honors nomination process, a Met Police statement said.
“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, it said.
A detective superintendent and an inspector, both from frontline policing were likewise served with misconduct notices on June 27 but they persist on full duties while inquiries proceed, the force added.
According to the BBC, the inquiry is focusing on whether Sandhu encouraged her colleagues to assist her nomination for a Queen’s Police Medal (QPM), which is granted twice a year by Queen Elizabeth II as part of her honors lists.
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The medals are acknowledged to serving police officers in the United Kingdom in recognition of eminent service or prominent courage in the line of duty.
National Police Chief Council guidelines say that “any person can nominate any other person for an honor.” Nevertheless, as with other honors, people are not hoped-for to nominate themselves and are not meant to lend to or know about the process.
The internal Met investigation is examining an allegation that Sandhu may have interacted with other officers with a summary of information to assist her QPM nomination. The inquiry is at an early stage and no disciplinary action has been taken so far.
Sandhu, who joined the police service in 1989, rose through the ranks to become borough commander in Richmond-upon-Thames. She is one of the most senior ethnic minority female officers in the Met Police and in 2006 received an Asian Women of Achievement Award.
By Sowmya
