Racist, misogynist, homophobic… A new report overwhelms Scotland Yard already in crisis after a series of scandals. The Metropolitan Police have been under investigation in the wake of the 2020 kidnapping, rape and murder of Sarah Everard by an officer.
With our correspondent in London, EMeline Wine
The author of the report, Louise Casey, who sits in the Upper House of Parliament, denounces a culture of discrimination within the Metropolitan Police. “ A third of policewomen experience sexism on a daily basis: 10% of them experience harassment or even sexual assault. It breaks all records she points out. And I could say the same thing about homophobia and especially racism. »
Radical reform
A major investigation was opened in 2021 at the request of the former chief of police of the British capital, Cressida Dick, following the conviction of a police officer of the “Met” to a prison term in perpetuity for the rape and murder of Sarah Everard. This case had shocked the country and, in addition to highlighting the climate of insecurity for women, raised questions about the systemic practices of the London police.
After a year of investigation, the senior civil servant believes that the Metropolitan Police is harming its officers… But also Londoners, who are no longer properly protected since the austerity budget cuts. An example: this summer, dozens of pieces of evidence in rape cases were lost due to a faulty refrigerator.
” I spoke with a fantastic team of assassination investigatorsreports Louise Casey. One of the officers told me: if a woman is raped and killed, our resolution rate is excellent, at least 20 people are working on the case. The Met handles murder cases remarkably well. On the other hand, she said, if a woman is raped and then “only” in a coma, the team that will take care of her will be a very serious team, but which has no means left, she regrets. And meanwhile, armed police units can claim any toy, anything they want. It’s hard to hear, but it’s the truth. »
” Graves » shortcomings
Of ” serious “failures that require it to be” radically reformed “, according to the author of the report. Louise Casey draws up a list of structural changes to “ fix ” puts “. Otherwise the police will have to be dismantled, having lost the confidence of Londoners.