Met Police Slammed for Racist, Sexist Texts – Furious Move to Clean Up Ranks
The Met Police have issued a stinging apology to Londoners after sexist, racist and discriminatory messages sent by officers between 2016 and 2018 surfaced. The scandal has rocked public trust in the force, with senior brass vowing to tackle the rot.
Anger and Action at the Top
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Bas Javid didn’t hold back. He said: “I am angry and disappointed to see officers involved in sharing sexist, racist and discriminatory messages. It’s clear we have a lot of work to do to ensure bullying and discrimination does not exist in any part of the Met.”
Javid described the messages as “unacceptable, unprofessional, disrespectful and deeply offensive” and vowed the force is cracking down hard. Some officers have already faced misconduct proceedings. One was dismissed, another would’ve been if not for resignation. All Met staff have been warned on responsible social media use.
Scathing IOPC Investigation Reveals Deep Issues
- 14 officers investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
- Two officers found guilty of gross misconduct – one dismissed, one resigned.
- Misconduct proven against two of four officers at disciplinary hearings.
- Two officers faced performance reviews; two others underwent reflective practice to improve.
- No case to answer for the remaining four officers.
The Met promise to consider recommendations from the IOPC before a full response.
Overhaul Underway – Baroness Casey to Lead Culture Review
Commissioner Cressida Dick has called in Baroness Louise Casey to spearhead a sweeping independent review into Met culture and behaviour. The review aims to ensure “lasting improvements” for all Londoners.
The Met are also beefing up their professional standards unit, with more investigators hired to root out corruption and misconduct. The problematic unit identified by the IOPC was disbanded in 2018, replaced with stronger leadership at the local level.
Last year, 12 new Chief Inspector roles were created to raise standards across the capital. The Central West Basic Command Unit, covering Charing Cross and the West End, now has a dedicated Chief Inspector leading neighbourhood policing and boosting scrutiny.
Rebuilding Broken Trust One Step at a Time
“We are listening to Londoners and stakeholders,” the Met say, acknowledging the road to reform won’t be quick. They’re urging the public to report concerns either online or via 101. Staff can blow the whistle anonymously through the confidential “Right Line.”
More details on their progress and plans to restore faith in the force can be read in the Rebuilding Trust – Update on Progress.
