Met police commissioner vows to rid racism and misogyny from the police force

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Sir Mark Rowley, who was recently appointed the Commissioner of Metropolitan Police, has promised to tackle racism and misogyny within the organisation.

He agreed that the Scotland Yard has so far been lenient on those who undermine the honest efforts put in by the majority of the workforce. But he said that he will actively work to “get the culture right”.

In an open letter shared on LinkedIn, he said, “I need to and want to hear from those we have let down, from our communities in London and within the Met.”

The Metropolitan Police has found itself embroiled in a lot of controversy lately as many accused it of corruption and using stop and search powers unfairly. As a result, it now faces strict monitoring by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), after a series of failures which came to light in recent years, including the murder of Sarah Everard by serving officer Wayne Couzens, the Stephen Port inquiry and the strip search of Child Q.

“I have taken over as the leader of an organisation that has been far too weak in taking on those who undermine the honest and dedicated majority who determinedly serve the public”, he said.

“And I have set out how I will be ruthless at rooting out from this organisation the corrupting officers including racists and misogynists,” Sir Rowley wrote.

He added, “I am determined to get the Met culture right, with the support of others informing my plans.

“Also, I find myself considering the role of the media, holding us to account when we get it wrong and also recognising the nuance, the complexity of things and not simply jumping for a headline. I believe in systemic change that demonstrates the Met can be better, not glossy articles suggesting it is repaired. I will continue to search for a meaningful partnership with those who will speak truth to power and help us reform.” Sir Rowley’s open letter was released after the Constabulary published a report which mentioned that the Metropolitan Police’s public response was not enough. The watchdog added that the police needs to work on investigating crime and protecting vulnerable people.