A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been charged with multiple sexual offences, including four counts of rape, following an investigation by Surrey Police.
PC Dion Arnold, who is attached to the Met’s South West Command Unit, was arrested on 29 March. He appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court two days later, where he was remanded in custody. He is expected to appear again at Guildford Crown Court on 1 May.
The charges include four counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault. The alleged offences were reported earlier this year and are said to have occurred while Arnold was off-duty.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that its Directorate of Professional Standards had been informed and that Arnold has been suspended from duty. No further details have been released about the allegations at this stage.
The case adds to the growing number of serious allegations levelled against serving police officers, particularly within the Met. It follows a series of high-profile incidents and convictions involving Met officers, prompting renewed scrutiny of vetting procedures, internal accountability, and wider culture within the force.
Campaigners and women’s rights groups have repeatedly called for more decisive action to tackle misogyny and abuse within policing, citing a pattern of failures to remove officers with histories of misconduct or complaints. The Met has faced criticism over a lack of transparency and the time taken to act when allegations arise.
Recent reviews, including the Baroness Casey report commissioned after the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving officer, have highlighted deep-rooted issues in the force. The report described the Met as institutionally sexist, racist and homophobic, and urged widespread reform. While senior leadership at the Met has pledged change, incidents such as this continue to raise questions about whether enough is being done to protect the public from harm within the ranks.
Surrey Police, which is leading the investigation, has not issued a statement beyond the basic charge details. The identity of the complainant has not been made public and legal restrictions limit what can be reported ahead of trial proceedings.
Arnold remains in custody while the case progresses through the courts.
