A Metropolitan Police officer has been charged with stealing £170 from the corpse of Italian filmmaker Claudio Gaetani, 45, in Hornsey, North London. Gaetani, who died of a heart attack while waiting for an undertaker, was found to have money missing from his wallet, an amount exchanged at an airport before his death. The case came to light after body-worn footage showed an officer allegedly handling the money at the scene. The incident, which occurred just before Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley’s tenure began, prompted an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), leading to a potential criminal charge by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The Metropolitan Police have acknowledged the seriousness of the case, maintaining communication with Gaetani’s relatives. Despite the financial implications being minimally concerning due to Gaetani’s affluent status, the act has been criticized for the lack of respect for the deceased and for betraying public trust.

In a broader context, the UK Home Office is taking steps to revamp the investigation process into police officers accused of on-duty offences. Aiming to boost public trust in law enforcement, the reforms include revising the criteria for criminal prosecutions and granting the IOPC authority to refer cases to the Crown Prosecution Service more promptly. Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the importance of upholding high standards within the police force to maintain public and officer confidence in the accountability system. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley has voiced support for these measures, recognizing the need for trust restoration in the police accountability system. Rachel Watson’s recent appointment as the new IOPC director general signals a commitment to improving oversight and public confidence in policing. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to ensure transparent and efficient handling of allegations against police personnel.