No one claims that being a police officer is easy, and there are thousands out on the UK’s streets doing a great job. But as the old saying goes, one rotten apple can spoil an entire barrel, or in this case, one bad cop can ruin an entire force’s good reputation. Sadly, though, it’s far from just one bad apple. Recent history and continuing revelations prove that there are many bad and corrupt cops serving in forces across the UK. Cases are proven, disgraced officers are jailed, and in resulting internal enquiries, further disturbing facts involving other members of the same force come to light. Due diligence is gradually leading to these individuals being exposed, but getting rid of them is another matter, nowhere more so than in the Metropolitan Police. Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, wants to sack hundreds of cops he says are guilty of crimes and unethical behaviour. But the wheels of dismissal appear to be grinding exceedingly slowly. A review of the Met’s culture and standards, ordered in the wake of Sarah Everard’s kidnap, rape and murder by serving police officer, Wayne Couzens, has been led by Baroness Louise Casey, and has uncovered systemic failures that allow too many “abhorrent” officers to remain on frontline duties. Baroness Casey says the Met must take a “zero-tolerance” approach to misogyny and racism and make sure offending officers can be sacked more easily.

The review also states that repeat offenders in the Met have been allowed to keep their jobs. Acknowledging the findings, Sir Mark said that other officers and members of the public had been “let down”. He said current police regulations meant it was difficult to sack some officers he was forced to keep on. “We’ve been slacking a bit,” he said, “removing less than one a week, maybe 40 or 50 a year. Based on this report, which clearly states that we have been far too soft, there must be hundreds in the organisation I need to get rid of.” The report has led to calls for individuals applying to join the police to undergo frequent and robust security checks throughout their career, rather than only at the time of their application. And the Met is not the only force failing to get rid of officers unfit to be in the service. A further report, this one from the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, criticises a culture of misogyny and predatory behaviour, fuelled by poor vetting standards, in forces across England and Wales. The inspectorate calls for minimum standards for pre-employment checks and for changes to laws dealing with police complaints and disciplinary procedures. Lead inspector, Matt Parr, reported that it is “too easy for the wrong people to both join and stay in the police” and that there were “significant questions” over the recruitment of “thousands” of officers. Home Secretary, Suella Braverman later said the report shines a “stark light” on problems within the police. Time for swift action then, Home Secretary?