Lack of action on Dizaei 'odd' admits Commissioner

The head of Scotland Yard admitted today that many people would be surprised corrupt Ali Dizaei remains a police officer despite sitting in a prison cell.

Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said members of the public may find it "odd" the disgraced officer has yet to be kicked out of the force.

Dizaei, 47, is waiting for the outcome of a "fast-track" disciplinary process by the watchdog Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA).

Speaking at New Scotland Yard, Sir Paul suggested the incongruous situation could raise further questions over how his senior officers are disciplined.

He said: "I am not looking to blame the MPA for this, it is their procedure but their procedure is governed by national regulations.

"Members of the public would find it somewhat odd that a man convicted of an offence and sits in a prison cell still holds the office of constable.

"He is not going to be able to effect that office, one hopes, but the public would find that odd.

"It is part of national regulations and those regulations have to be followed. There might be a case for looking again at those regulations."

Sir Paul's comments came amid a debate on whether he should be given more powers to hire and fire his top team.

Earlier this week former Met boss Lord Imbert said handing the top officer the ability to complete his top team would improve accountability.

Speaking about the decision to promote Dizaei to commander in 2008, Sir Paul said "hindsight is a wonderful thing".

He played down a suggestion that the conviction of Dizaei, once a prominent member of the Black Police Authority, could be divisive among minority officers.

Sir Paul said: "Dizaei is not diversity. The progress the Met has genuinely made has been impressive. But I have said it time and time again, there is more left to do.

"The business case for ensuring this organisation gives confidence to all our communities that it is somewhere they want to come and work is obvious."

Dizaei was jailed for four years for perverting the course of justice and misconduct in a public office on February 8.

Southwark Crown Court heard he assaulted and falsely arrested an Iraqi web designer in a row over a £600 payment for a website.

The officer, who was west link commander and responsible for policing in 10 London boroughs, then attempted to frame his victim by claiming he stabbed him.

Speaking about his reaction on hearing Dizaei was guilty, Sir Paul said there was nothing to celebrate.

He said: "I am hugely disappointed anyone of that rank would behave in that manner. The idea that champagne corks were popping in the Yard was completely fatuous."

Sir Paul added: "Dizaei brought disgrace to himself, the police service and the Metropolitan Police. His criminal behaviour, disgraceful behaviour, is quite shocking."