The report will be released next week (PA)
(Picture: PA Wire)A far-reaching review into the Metropolitan Police’s culture and standards has uncovered systemic failings that allowed too many “abhorrent” officers to remain on the frontline, reports claim.
Baroness Louise Casey’s probe was ordered in the wake of Sarah Everard’s kidnap, rape and murder at the hands of serving police officer Wayne Couzens in March 2021.
Her review took more than six months and investigated the force’s vetting, recruitment and training procedures.
In her report, released next week, Baroness Casey will say the Met must take a “zero-tolerance” approach to misogyny and racism and make sure offending officers to be sacked more easily.
"The line on what should qualify for dismissal needs to be redrawn," a source familiar with the review told The Observer.
Baroness Casey will argue that trust in the police has been damaged by the failure to identify and dismiss misogynists, abusers and racists.
“Much of what has got them in hot water has been the fact that they can’t sort out their misconduct system. It isn’t good enough," a separate source told the paper.
They added: “Although it’s about individual officers’ behaviour, it’s also an area where there are systemic problems. It’s about the Met setting out really clear standards of what is acceptable and what isn’t, and making sure everyone understands that.”
Following her appointment last October, Baroness Casey said: “Trust is given to the police by our, the public’s, consent.
“So, any acts that undermine that trust must be examined and fundamentally changed.”
Armed officer Couzens, 48, used his police-issued handcuffs and warrant card to stage a fake arrest of marketing executive Ms Everard, 33, in Clapham, south London. He received a whole life sentence for murder.
The Met is also investigating a large number of sexual and domestic abuse allegations against officers.
Earlier this month, a former Met Police officer was arrested after being part of a WhatsApp group which shared racist and misogynistic messages.
The officer was arrested under the Communications Act and misconduct in a public office after a whistle-blower tipped off the BBC to the content shared in the WhatsApp group.
Since taking over as Met Police chief, Sir Mark Rowley has vowed to root out racism and misogyny, warning that he would be “ruthless” in taking action.
The Met Police has been approached for comment.
