Met officers must declare Freemason membership in new anti-corruption rule

Metropolitan police officers must tell their bosses if they are Freemasons, the force has announced, amid fears membership could be linked to corruption.

- Vikram Dodd Police and crime correspondent

Britain’s largest force said anyone who is part or has been a member of a “hierarchical organisation that requires members to support and protect each other” must declare it.

The body representing Freemasons condemned the rule and said it would consider legal action.

The issue of Freemasons in the Met has been long-running, but previous commissioners have either thought tougher rules were not justified or not worth the pain. Mark Rowley, the current Met commissioner, was moved to act as part of his drive to show the public the force can be trusted.

The Guardian also understands that a recent case of alleged wrongdoing in the force contains claims that acts under investigation may be linked to Freemasonry.

The Met has held intelligence for years of potential corruption linked to personal relationships formed through membership of the Freemasons, but not proven.

‘The Met says it surveyed its officers and staff, with two-thirds backing the restriction, because it “affects public perception of police impartiality”.