London police systematically racist, sexist, homophobic, major findings

London’s Metropolitan Police are systematically racist, misogynistic and homophobic, unable to police themselves, an independent review has found.

This review was commissioned in 2021 by then-Director Cressida Dick of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Rape and Murder of Sarah Everard In a case that shocked the nation and focused on the broader work culture of the military, along with subsequent cases of crimes against women.

The report notes that “systemic racism, gender discrimination, and social distancing are both internal to the organization, in terms of how officers and staff are treated inside the organization, and in how community police are policed ​​outside the organization. There is discrimination, homophobia,” he said, adding that the unit “fails women and children.” “.

An independent inquiry led by Louise Casey, a member of the British Parliament, found “serious” failures across the Metropolitan and said “fundamental reform” would be needed.

It has been more than 20 years since the investigation into the 1999 murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence identified systemic racism within the unit over its handling of the incident.

A study that found that consensual policing was being broken in the capital said the biggest barriers to fixing the military were the MET’s defensive culture and its denial about the scale of the problem.

Casey told reporters ahead of the report’s release, “No matter how you look at it, no matter what the label or description, as an organization there is complete evidence that they have prejudice or discrimination. Yes, it is.”

Met Commissioner Mark Rowley says the work is not done yet.
photograph: AFPMore

Police Commissioner Mark Rowley, the UK’s highest-ranking police officer, told reporters: “We have let the people of London down and we have let our own front line down. This report paints a vivid picture of that. I am deeply sorry,” he said.

“It (the report) creates a range of emotions: anger, frustration, bewilderment…but most of all, it creates determination,” he added. With their help, he said, “we are dismissing officers at a faster rate.”

Still, he said the work wasn’t done yet.

“I can’t say we’ve reduced the risk of bad cops to zero yet, but we’re eradicating people every day and making progress.” Just like murder, rape, and domestic violence are at work in the military.

The 360-page report says the military needs strong leadership, women’s protection services, a new child strategy, and other reform recommendations.

Casey’s interim report found last October that the unit took an average of 400 days to resolve allegations of misconduct against officers.

“[The Everard incident]was so terrifying that I think it must be the moment that a change happened,[but]a change didn’t happen. So now this report has to tell it.” We have to take responsibility for making the necessary changes,” said Casey.

– Reuters