Two Metropolitan Police officers, PC Jonathan Clapham and PC Sam Franks, have been found guilty of gross misconduct over the stop and search of Black athletes Bianca Williams and Ricardo dos Santos. The incident occurred in July 2020 when the couple was pulled over by police while traveling home with their three-month-old son in west London.

Olympic sprinter Ricardo dos Santos and Team GB athlete Bianca Williams filed a complaint with the police watchdog, alleging racial profiling during the stop and search. The officers followed the couple from training and conducted a search based on suspicion of drugs and weapons, but nothing incriminating was found.

The Independent Office For Police Conduct (IOPC) brought the case against the officers, stating that the detention of Dos Santos and Williams was racially motivated and “excessive, unreasonable, and unjustified.” The IOPC argued that there is “institutional discrimination” in the Met Police, citing broader reports indicating racial disparities in stop and search practices.

The panel found PC Jonathan Clapham and PC Sam Franks guilty of gross misconduct over the search and dismissed them without notice for breaching police standards of professional behavior related to honesty and integrity. Three other officers, Sergeant Simpson, PC Bond, and PC Casey, had the gross misconduct allegations not proven but will undergo the reflective practice review process.

IOPC director Steve Noonan acknowledged the distressing experience for Williams and Dos Santos and highlighted the need for the police to address systemic issues and rebuild trust with the community. The case emphasizes broader concerns about racial disparities in stop and search practices, with Black individuals being disproportionately affected. The IOPC encourages individuals who feel mistreated by the police to file complaints to make their voices heard.