New Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley has announced a raft of reforms as part of his plan to restore public trust in the force.
Speaking on Friday, Sir Mark said he will be “ruthless” in ridding the force of anyone who undermines the Met’s integrity.
As part of his pursuit to rebuild public trust amid a time of strained confidence in the Met Police, Sir Mark has announced reforms including an uplift in detectives and the creation of a new Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command.
The new command will look to root out “criminal colleagues”, with Sir Mark adding: “In recent years we have seen the corrosive effect corrupt, racist, misogynistic, homophobic, abusive and criminal officers and staff have had on the levels of trust our communities have in the Met.
“This also undermines our crime fighting efforts and impedes our ability to investigate offences. Both communities and our honest determined majority of officers are rightly angry.
“As part of my commitment to renew policing by consent and to bring more trust, less crime and high standards to the Met, I’m investing in extra officers and staff, skills and technology to root out those corrupt or abusive officers or staff.
“We will be proactive and unrelenting in actively seeking out these criminal colleagues. I make no apology for this ruthlessness in evicting those who undermine our integrity as we seek to reform the Met and give the public the confidence in us they deserve.”
The new team will be comprised of approximately 100 detectives and officers who will be supported by a boosted intelligence function to inform their investigations
Sir Mark’s comments come as a man in his 60s has been arrested by detectives investigating allegations an ex-Metropolitan Police posted racist content on WhatsApp.
The BBC’s Newsnight reported Rob Lewis had created a group chat with other former Met colleagues.
The Home Office suspended Mr Lewis who was working as an immigration official.
