Hundreds of Met officers at risk of sack after review

Several hundred Metropolitan Police officers could be sacked as a result of a landmark report revealing a homophobic, racist and sexist culture within the force, its author says.

- THOMAS KINGSLEY

Baroness Casey told the London Assembly Police and Crime committee that a cull could happen if the force's leadership followed the report's recommendation to crack down on rogue officers and take a tougher stance in misconduct cases.

Her scathing report, released on Tuesday, found the Met Police had failed to protect the public from officers who abuse women and said organisational changes had put women and children at greater risk.

The review found female officers and staff routinely experienced sexism, uncovered racist officers and staff and said "deep-seated homophobia" existed in the force.

When questioned by a member of the committee on how many officers could be removed as a result of the report's findings, Lady Casey initially said it was concerning that the full answer was not immediately known, before following up with her estimation.

"Sir Mark [Rowley] will have a greater sense for himself but I know we're not talking hundreds but several hundreds would be my estimation and I think Sir Mark will say the same thing later this morning," Lady Casey said.

She added that the appointment of assistant commissioner Barbara Gray would help the Met Police handle its cultural issues but insisted the right people were needed around her to implement changes effectively.