Independent figure to review Met culture and standards

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has announced the appointment of an independent figure to conduct a review of Met culture and standards in order to rebuild public trust.

Recognising that the murder of Sarah Everard has severely damaged public confidence in the Met Police Service, and that trust will be further diminished by the news of another officer charged with rape, Dick said that a high profile external figure will be appointed imminently to do a wholesale review of culture and standards in the Met in order to regain the public’s trust.

The Metropolitan Police states that the full remit of the review will be announced shortly, but it will include looking at the culture at the Metropolitan Police as a whole, including professional standards, training, leadership, processes, and systems and standards of behaviour, and they will examine cases where officers have let the public down to see how they could have been prevented.

Additionally, an external reference group will be appointed to provide insight, challenge and support. The Commissioner is appointing a dedicated Chief Officer and team to ensure the ambitious and challenging programme is delivered at pace.

Dick said: “I absolutely recognise the grave level of public concerns and the need to take urgent action. All of us in the Met realise that it will take time to rebuild that trust and we will work hard to do so. We know that the responsibility sits with us.

“My officers, staff and I are all determined to do everything we can to make sure the public can continue to trust our officers to keep them safe. I hope the announcement today of an independent person to work with us help demonstrate how seriously we take this and our commitment to making the changes needed.”