Metropolitan Police Increases Dismissals for Gross Misconduct by 66% in Sweeping Reform Effort
The Metropolitan Police in London has made significant strides in its ongoing effort to build a healthier culture by dismissing 100 officers for gross misconduct in the past year. This marks a 66% increase compared to previous years. The dismissals are part of the largest reform of culture and standards within the force in decades, aimed at addressing issues of misconduct and ensuring that expected behaviors are upheld.
In addition to the officers who have been dismissed, the Metropolitan Police currently has 183 officers under suspension. This represents a 165% increase compared to September 2022. Furthermore, 275 officers are awaiting a gross misconduct hearing, including those facing serious allegations of discrimination and violence against women and girls.
The increased numbers of dismissals, suspensions, and pending hearings are a result of a rise in reporting of alleged misconduct. Over the past 12 months, the number of reported cases has soared from 876 to 1,668, with a significant portion of these reports coming from both staff and officers.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy acknowledged that there is still much work to be done and that the force remains committed to continuous improvement. He expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the majority of officers and staff who have been actively involved in building a better Metropolitan Police.
Cundy also highlighted the challenges ahead, stating that the force expects to hold approximately 30 misconduct hearings and 30 gross incompetence hearings every month for the foreseeable future. He emphasized the gravity of some of the ongoing investigations, revealing that there are officers under investigation for rape—a truly abhorrent offense made even more egregious by the fact that they are police officers.
The Home Office has put forward plans for the automatic dismissal of officers found guilty of gross misconduct or who fail vetting checks. This represents a significant step towards ensuring accountability within the force.
Earlier this year, a review by Baroness Casey exposed concerning aspects of the Met’s culture, including a boys’ club culture and a lack of diversity and officer supervision in some areas. The ongoing reform efforts outlined by the Metropolitan Police aim to address these issues head-on.
To improve standards, the force has introduced new principles and values that will be incorporated into training, reward systems, recruitment processes, and career advancement opportunities. These principles and values are meant to reflect the aspirations of the workforce and emphasize the desired qualities for a reformed Metropolitan Police.
The force has also taken concrete steps to revamp its leadership and improve its approach to vetting, complaints, and conduct. The Professionalism and Betterment Development Programme (PaDP) has seen the inclusion of new faces, with a third of the unit now consisting of fresh recruits. By 2025, over two-thirds of officers in the PaDP will be new, further enhancing diversity and fresh perspectives.
Additionally, the Metropolitan Police is actively working towards increasing female representation and aims for 20% female officers in the PaDP. The force is also committed to achieving 20% representation of ethnic minorities in the program.
While the Met’s reform efforts have shown progress, it is clear that there is still a long way to go. By taking concrete actions and holding officers accountable for their actions, the Metropolitan Police aims to rebuild trust with Londoners and deliver an organization that embodies the high standards its people deserve.
