More than 150 officers from the Metropolitan Police are being kept from public-facing roles while under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct or racism, figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show.
The number has doubled compared with previous data, with 118 officers restricted over sexual misconduct allegations and 43 over racism claims. The force also confirmed that investigations are ongoing into more than 230 officers over sexual assault allegations and 556 over racism allegations.
The Met has faced intense scrutiny following a series of scandals, including the murder of Sarah Everard by serving officer Wayne Couzens and the jailing of two officers who shared photographs of murdered sisters. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley previously said it was “completely mad” to employ officers who cannot be trusted to have contact with the public.
A Met spokesperson said the rise followed “concerted efforts” to encourage reporting of wrongdoing, mandatory training, and an increased focus on professional standards. The spokesperson added that work continues “at pace” to identify those who let down the public and police.
Reclaim These Streets, a campaign group formed after Ms Everard’s murder, said it was “extraordinary that we’re expected to pay to keep misogynists and racists on the Met police payroll”. Caroline Pidgeon, a Liberal Democrat member of the London Assembly police and crime committee, said the sooner such officers are rooted out, the better.
