In a scathing report released on Tuesday, an independent review commissioned by London’s Metropolitan Police found that the force is institutionally racist, misogynistic, and homophobic. The report, led by Louise Casey, a member of parliament’s upper house, highlighted severe failings across the Met, Britain’s biggest police force, which employs over 43,000 officers and staff.
The review was commissioned by the then-head of the Met, Cressida Dick, in 2021 following the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving officer. The case put a spotlight on the broader culture of the force and raised questions about its ability to police itself. The report found that “widespread bullying, discrimination, institutional homophobia, misogyny, and racism” exist within the Met, and that “women and children do not get the protection and support they deserve.”
The report cited numerous instances of discriminatory behavior within the force, including a gay female officer being discouraged from making a formal complaint after a male colleague made inappropriate sexual comments, and a Sikh officer having his beard cut because an officer thought it was funny. The review also found that women within the force were reluctant to speak out for fear of repercussions on their careers, with misogynistic comments often dismissed as “banter.”
The report identified the Met’s culture of defensiveness and denial as the biggest barrier to reform, and recommended “radical” change. It called for strong leadership, a women’s protection service, and a new children’s strategy, among other recommendations.
Met Commissioner Mark Rowley, Britain’s most senior police officer, apologized for the force’s failings, stating, “We’ve let Londoners down and we’ve let our own frontline down… I’m deeply sorry.” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged that trust in the police had been “hugely damaged,” while Interior Minister Suella Braverman described the report as “scathing.” Braverman warned that addressing the challenges identified in the report may take years.
The report’s findings serve as a reminder of the need for police forces to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Met’s failings illustrate the dangers of institutionalized discrimination and highlight the urgent need for reform to ensure that all members of society, regardless of their gender, sexuality, or ethnicity, receive equal protection and support from the police.