The number of police officers in London who have been dismissed for misconduct has increased, according to new figures.

Research carried out by Harrow Councillor Susan Hall – who now acts as a Conservative London Assembly member – showed that 64 Metropolitan Police offers were sacked for such offences in 2016/17.

This is a jump from 58 in the previous financial year and 55 in 2014/15.

Ms Hall, who works on the London Assembly police and crime committee, said the rise did not represent a serious issue if it meant that more stringent checks were being carried out.

She said: “Our police officers do an excellent job in often difficult, dangerous and demanding circumstances and we are extremely grateful for their work.

“Unfortunately, as in any large organisation, there will always be some disciplinary issues.

“It is important the Met maintains the highest possible standards among its officers because public confidence is vital to the strength of the force. 

“While these new figures are worthy of further discussion, we should keep an open mind as to their positive or negative implications.

“Higher figures may mean the force is showing greater vigilance, which would be welcomed.”

A statement from the Met noted how the figures still represented a tiny proportion of the overall force and that it would strive to uphold its disciplinary procedure.

It said: “Securing and maintaining the trust of the community is integral to the principle of policing by consent.

“The Met treats each occasion that an allegation is made about the conduct of its staff extremely seriously and will fully investigate each incident. 

“Where the conduct of staff is proven to have fallen below the standards of behaviour expected, the Met will take robust action to ensure that its staff are appropriately disciplined and that lessons are learnt from each case.”