Merseyside Police Chief Constable, Serena Kennedy, has said the Casey Review into the conduct of the Metropolitan Police will have “far-reaching” effects on police forces across the country.
Following the sentencing of Wayne Couzens over the kidnapping and murder of Sarah Everard in October 2021, Baroness Casey launched her review into the conduct of the Metropolitan Police.
After the findings of the review were published, Chief Con Kennedy said: “It will have far reaching and long-term effects on police forces and undoubtedly cause concern for the wider public.”
The report strongly criticised the Met, finding it to be “institutionally racist and sexist.”
It also revealed that the force has been riddled with bullying, incompetent leadership and the “rotten” treatment of black people.
The review was launched to look into the standards of behaviour and internal culture of the Met.
In 300 pages, Baroness Casey’s report laid bare a catalogue of grave concerns over how the biggest police force in the country is run.
Chief Constable Kennedy is supportive of holding policing to scrutiny and ensuring transparency to the public.
She also noted the importance of constantly reviewing the recruitment and vetting process so that all staff are aware of expected standards.
She said: “We will take time to consider its findings and recommendations to explore what they mean for us and identify what we can learn and any action we need to take.”
In February, Merseyside police Chief Inspector Stephen Rice was dismissed following a misconduct hearing at which he was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour.
In a news briefing, Baroness Casey said: “What would it take for policing to wake up that it has to be different?”
It appears many of the issues that plague the Met have not been addressed since the previous Macpherson report in 1997.
Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Met Police said in a letter to Baroness Casey: “This is a sobering moment for the Met after a series of scandals and falling public confidence.”
Some of the most serious incidents recorded included demeaning hazing rituals, widespread sexual assault of female officers and losing a freezer worth of rape evidence.
Baroness Casey’s report concluded that drastic measures must be taken for greater oversight and the possibility that the Met may be divided.
The review will help to inform the work of Lady Angiolini, whose independent inquiry, will look at wider issues of police standards and culture.
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner’s plan for increased safety for women around Liverpool
