The Metropolitan Police has issued an apology to Jason Matthews, a black community leader, after he was detained and allegedly mistreated by an officer who has faced multiple misconduct proceedings in recent years. The incident, which occurred at the Hackney Carnival in 2019, has reignited conversations about racial bias, excessive force, and eroding trust between law enforcement and communities of color.
Officer’s Concerning Track Record
PC Connor Jones, the officer involved in Matthews’ detention, has faced three misconduct proceedings within the past two years alone. In May 2023, he was given reflective practice as a result of Matthews’ initial complaint. Just two months later, in July 2023, Jones received a written warning after another misconduct meeting. The pattern continued with a final written notice in September 2024 following a hearing where he was found guilty of gross misconduct for pressing a Taser to the neck of a 16-year-old black boy.
Allegations of Excessive Force and Racial Profiling
Matthews, a respected retired boxer who now works with special needs children, alleges that Jones used unnecessary force during the encounter. He accuses the officer of twisting his arm, breaking his phone, and pushing him to the ground before wrongfully arresting him and making false allegations of aggressive behavior. In a statement, Matthews expressed his belief that he was targeted because of his race:
I reported this matter because I felt strongly that it is likely to have happened because of my skin colour.
– Jason Matthews
Delays and Distrust in the Complaint Process
Matthews also criticized the Metropolitan Police’s handling of his complaint, noting significant delays and a perceived lack of urgency. Despite submitting his complaint in September 2019, it took three years for Jones to face a misconduct meeting regarding the incident. Internal emails even show an investigating officer seeking to “shut down” Matthews’ allegations. These factors have led to growing distrust and frustration within communities most affected by police misconduct.
The delay in the police looking into this sends the message that the police don’t care. There is no situation where this simple several minutes incident should have taken five years for the police to respond on and apologising for that delay, that should have been a fundamental part of the letter.
– Jason Matthews
Calls for Meaningful Police Reform
The incident with Jason Matthews is just one example of the deep-rooted issues within the Metropolitan Police. A comprehensive review by Louise Casey in 2022 found the force to be institutionally racist, homophobic, and misogynistic. The report highlighted concerns about the misconduct process, noting that officers with multiple complaints often face minimal consequences, with less than 1% being dismissed.
Community leaders like Matthews are calling for meaningful reform and greater accountability to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. They argue that delayed investigations, insufficient disciplinary action, and a lack of transparency only perpetuate systemic bias and misconduct.
The Metropolitan Police’s apology to Jason Matthews is a small step in acknowledging the harm caused by PC Connor Jones’ actions. However, many believe that true progress will require a fundamental shift in police culture, training, and oversight. Until officers are consistently held accountable for misconduct and bias, incidents like these will continue to erode public trust and hinder effective community policing.
As the Metropolitan Police grapples with its institutional shortcomings, leaders like Jason Matthews will continue to advocate for justice, equality, and meaningful change. The path forward must involve open dialogue, a commitment to transparency, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Only then can law enforcement begin to rebuild the bridges of trust that are essential for safe and thriving communities.
