Met Police Headquarters undergoing reform.

Met Police Exits Special Measures After Two Years of Scrutiny

The Metropolitan Police (Met) has been removed from special measures after more than two years under intense scrutiny. This marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts of Met Police Reform, as Britain’s largest police force takes a step toward regaining public trust. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services officially announced the decision, marking a significant moment for the force. Employing nearly a quarter of all officers in England and Wales, the Met’s exit from special measures is a symbolic victory for Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who assumed his role in September 2022. Rowley, now halfway through his five-year term, pledged to reform the force following a string of damaging scandals.

What Does Moving from "Engage" to Routine Monitoring Mean?

The Met was initially placed in special measures, officially known as “Engage,” in June 2022. This marked the first time the force had been officially deemed to have fallen so low, a deeply embarrassing moment for the organization. The move followed the ousting of a former Commissioner in February 2022, triggered by a series of crises and scandals, most notably the horrific murder of Sarah Everard by a serving Met officer in March 2021. The handling of the aftermath was widely criticized.

The Met’s time in “Engage” was prolonged when inspectors, despite noting some progress, identified further critical failings. One particularly concerning inspection revealed that officers were actively discouraging children from reporting alleged sexual abuse and privately blaming young victims for the crimes they suffered. Investigations into child exploitation were largely rated as inadequate. In response, the Met has deployed an additional 500 officers to public protection roles and implemented cultural change training for the majority of its officers.

What Improvements Have Been Made, and What Challenges Remain?

The force has demonstrated improvements in several key areas where it had previously been found to be failing. These include answering and assessing emergency calls, conducting investigations into missing children, addressing victim blaming within the force, rectifying mistakes in offender management, and tackling failings or corrupt officers. These changes are all part of the ongoing Met Police Reform efforts.

However, Rowley’s tenure has been overshadowed by scandals rooted in the Met’s recent past. Beyond a high-profile case where an inquiry concluded an officer should never have been in the force, the force overlooked numerous red flags that allowed a serial rapist to remain a Met officer. Furthermore, a February 2023 report concluded that the force was “institutionally racist, homophobic and anti-women,” a finding Rowley publicly rejected. The true test of Met Police Reform will be addressing these deeply ingrained cultural issues.

What is the Inspectorate’s Perspective on Progress and Future Monitoring?

Despite these ongoing challenges, His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary expressed satisfaction with the progress made. He stated: “I am pleased with the good progress that the Metropolitan Police Service has made so far. While there is still a significant amount of work to do, I have recommended removing the service from our enhanced level of monitoring, known as Engage, and returning it to routine monitoring. I am reassured by the plans that the commissioner has put in place to continue making sustainable improvements. We will continue to monitor the progress of the Metropolitan Police Service to make sure those living and working in the capital are getting the service they deserve from their force.” This monitoring will be crucial in assessing the long-term success of Met Police Reform.

The Met’s two-year period in special measures underscored the depth of its problems, causing significant embarrassment for both the force and the Mayor of London, who holds responsibility for its oversight.

What Are the Political Reactions, and What is the Path Forward?

The Mayor of London welcomed the inspectorate’s confirmation of “significant improvements” being made by the Met, stating: “Emergency calls are now being answered faster, vetting is being strengthened and neighbourhood policing is being revitalized. Having asked the HMI to look in particular at concerns around child sexual exploitation, it’s reassuring that the Met police have made significant improvements in this area, including around missing children and victim blaming language. There’s still more to do.”

A source familiar with the process offered a more blunt assessment of forces exiting “Engage,” saying: “It means they have gone from very bad, to bad.” The inspectorate emphasized the need for a credible and effective plan for future change. The Met continues to face challenges in officer recruitment, a situation projected to worsen, and Rowley has stated that the force faces a funding shortfall of hundreds of millions of pounds. Despite the exit from special measures, the Met still faces a long road to full recovery and public trust.

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