Black & Asian Police Officers face ‘Systematic Bias’

A report has found that Black and Asian police officers have faced ‘systematic bias’. The Met Police boss has responded to the findings.

Black & Asian Police Officers face 'Systematic Bias' f

"I want this organisation to take what we're saying seriously"

The Met Police boss has called for hundreds of officers to be sacked after a report found that Black and Asian officers have faced ‘systematic bias’.

The force’s commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, responded to a report that also said 1,263 officers are still serving despite having multiple misconduct complaints against them.

Baroness Louise Casey is the author of the report.

It concluded that there is racial disparity across the system, misconduct cases are taking too long to resolve, and allegations are most likely to be dismissed.

Baroness Casey said the Met’s misconduct system is “not fit for purpose”.

She said: “I also think of note is that repeated misconduct offences and indeed patterns of unacceptable behaviour are not dealt with hence you will see in the case studies some hair-raising examples of just how much people can do and yet they remain serving officers.

“This has to be a line in the sand moment and I think this is a really significant moment for the Metropolitan Police.

“As we go forward I want this organisation to take what we’re saying seriously, to absorb it and not deny it and not be defensive about it.”

According to the dossier, out of 1,809 officers and staff with more than one misconduct case against them, just 13 have been sacked since 2013.

In one case, an officer was accused of 11 separate offences including sexual assault and three assaults. They are still serving.

Another serving officer has 19 complaints against them.

Baroness Casey also found racism and misogyny within the force.

In response, Sir Mark said that the patterns of discrimination amount to “systemic bias”.

He wrote a letter apologising for the Met. It read:

“The evidence is clear: the disproportionate way in which you have showed us black and Asian officers and staff have been treated shows patterns of unacceptable discrimination that clearly amount to systemic bias.

“You uncover painful experiences from those within our ranks who have suffered discrimination and hate from colleagues, only to have their hurt compounded by a weak response from the organisation. This cannot continue.

“I am sorry to those we have let down: both the public and our honest and dedicated officers.

“The public deserves a better Met, and so do our good people who strive every day to make a positive difference to Londoners.”

The full report will be published sometime in 2023.

Lead Editor Dhiren is our news and content editor who loves all things football. He also has a passion for gaming and watching films. His motto is to "Live life one day at a time".



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