Scotland Yard’s new commissioner has promised to be “ruthless” in kicking out corrupt, misogynist and racist police officers, but admitted he will need help.
Sir Mark Rowley wrote in an open letter: “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.
“And I have set out how I will be ruthless at rooting out from this organisation the corrupting officers including racists and misogynists.
“Already in my first two weeks I have sought out those who want to help the Met be better whether from within or through the support of Londoners.”
Sir Mark has taken charge of the Metropolitan Police three months after it was put into special measures by the police watchdog for a catalogue of failings and scandals.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services said the force had let down the public by failing to record many crimes, neglecting to identify repeat victims and delays in answering 999 calls.
The Met had also been exposed over its poor culture in which officers swapped racist and misogynist text messages, and others photographed and swapped images of the bodies of two murdered sisters.
Off-duty PC Wayne Couzens abducted, raped and murdered young marketing executive Sarah Everard by using his police powers illegally.
Sir Mark wrote in the letter on LinkedIn: “I need to and want to hear from those we have let down, from our communities in London and within the Met.
“Constructive anger, channelled in the right ways, can bring positive change.
“I have spoken to many who represent different parts of the Met’s workforce, including associations representing Black, Muslim, Polish and LGBT+ colleagues.
“One group, the Met Black Police Association, I have spoken to three times. I have also spoken to colleagues who represent women who have too often been let down.”
The Met has been praised for its handling of the massive security operation in London after the Queen’s death and in the days leading up to her funeral.
But the new commissioner knows he is under pressure from his political masters, Home Secretary Suella Braverman and London mayor Sadiq Khan, to produce fast results in improving the Met’s culture and performance.
He wrote: “I am determined to get the Met culture right, with the support of others informing my plans.
“I have real concerns. I need to be sure I am talking to the right people, the challengers, those who care, who will call out injustice but also show things as they are.”
