A blistering official review has exposed the Metropolitan Police as an institution where misogyny, racism, and homophobia run rampant, with officers repeatedly getting away with serious sexual misconduct while victims face disbelief and professional retaliation.
The damning report by Baroness Louise Casey reveals a toxic culture that has allowed predatory behaviour to flourish within Britain's largest police force. The review was commissioned following the horrific murder of Sarah Everard by serving officer Wayne Couzens, which first exposed the depth of corruption within the Met.
"Systemic Failures" in Handling Abuse Complaints
Casey's investigation uncovered shocking examples of misconduct that were either ignored or inadequately addressed by the force's disciplinary systems. The report describes "systemic failures" in how the Met handles complaints about sexual abuse and other predatory behaviour.
One female officer reported being targeted by a serial sex offender colleague, only to find that "no one believed her" and the man was allowed to continue serving. Another victim was forced to work alongside her attacker for years after reporting a rape by a fellow officer.
Culture of Fear and Retaliation
The review paints a picture of a force where victims face career-ending consequences for speaking out, while perpetrators are protected. Officers reported that complaining about misconduct typically leads to being ostracised, sidelined for promotion, or driven out of the force entirely.
Baroness Casey found that the Met's internal misconduct system is "rigged" against victims and fails to properly investigate allegations. The report states that racist, misogynist, and homophobic behaviour has been tolerated for years, creating an environment where abuse thrives.
Public Trust Shattered
The revelations have devastating implications for public trust in policing, particularly for women and minority communities. The report suggests that the Met's cultural problems are so deeply embedded that radical reform is needed to root out toxic elements and rebuild public confidence.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowland has acknowledged the severity of the findings, admitting the force must change "systematically and fundamentally". However, critics argue that previous promises of reform have yielded little progress, leaving many to question whether real change is possible without complete structural overhaul.
