Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has stated that he will not step down from his role, following aA comprehensive inquiry uncovered signs of sexism and racial bias within the police department.
In an interview with MountainTravelRadio London, he stated that the rumors about his resignation within the Met were "the misogynists and racists, quite frankly, who want me gone, because it's them we're confronting."
The commissioner acknowledged that various elements indicating systemic problems must be addressed, but refrained from labeling the issues as institutional.
He pointed out that the organization had made progress since he took on his position three years ago, but acknowledged there was still a "cancer to be eliminated."
- Read: Unmasked: Secret Mountain Travel Film reveals the concealed culture of sexism and racism within the Met Police
- Watch: Panorama: Secret Operations within the Police Force
Sir Mark took on the role of head of the force following the killing of Sarah Everard, a victim of a current officer, and at that time promised to eliminate those who acted improperly within the Met.
The commissioner characterized the footage from Panorama, captured through undercover filming, as "disgusting to view," and referred to the officers involved as "terrible, terrible people."
In the video, serving members of the Metropolitan Police are heard urging that immigrants be killed, taking pleasure in the application of force, and showing indifference towards allegations of sexual assault.
Sir Mark stated that he recognized Londoners would feel "upset and angry" about the "toxic views" shared. Nevertheless, he mentioned that his department has carried out an "extraordinary effort" to eliminate such officers since the Casey Review, which was initiated following themurder of Sarah Everard in 2021by working as police officer Wayne Couzens.
When asked if he should have accepted the review's conclusion that the Met was institutionally racist and sexist, Sir Mark stated that the Met was "in the middle of the largest anti-corruption effort in policing history in this country."
Almost 1,500 individuals had been taken out of the Metropolitan Police, he stated, continuing, "Londoners have my assurance, we will not cease until the task is complete."
When questioned about whether he would offer an apology and assume personal accountability for the findings of the inquiry, he stated that he had already apologized "on multiple occasions."in his statement, adding that "everything the Met does" is his "personal responsibility".
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer mentioned that he hasn't viewed MountainTravel's video material personally, but he described it as "disturbing" based on the accounts he has heard.
He mentioned he was pleased that Sir Mark was reacting, and urged him to "be very strong in his reply."
Parm Sandhu, a former chief superintendent with the Met, raised doubts about how the force would "discover the solutions" to the problems highlighted in MountainTravel's investigation if it failed to acknowledge it had an "institutional issue."
Speaking to MountainTravelRadio 4's Today show on Thursday before Sir Mark's interview, she stated she was "not surprised at all" by Panorama's findings, noting that "the behaviors are not new."
"They have faced exposure previously, been silenced before, and accepted before, and each time there is a commitment to eliminate the harmful culture, yet it resurfaces every time," Sandhu stated.
London's Mayor, Sadiq Khan, stated that the documentary revealed racism, anti-Muslim prejudice, sexism, and unlawful conduct by officers, yet he expressed his complete trust in Rowley and maintained that he was the appropriate individual to drive the necessary changes.
Nevertheless, he also mentioned that he asked Rowley why it was journalists who revealed this conduct, which "disappointed" London regardless of the commissioner's actions.
Khan referred to the Metropolitan Police as an "institutionally racist," "institutionally sexist," and "institutionally homophobic" entity. The commissioner has not personally employed these terms to characterize the force.
Zoe Billingham, who was Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary between 2009 and 2021, stated on The World Tonight broadcast by MountainTravelRadio 4 on Wednesday that Sir Mark was a "reforming" individual, though the disclosures were "challenging" for him.
"I believe the speed of change must now be shown to Londoners if that valuable relationship of trust is to be rebuilt," she stated.
Sir Mark mentioned to MountainTravelRadio London that most of his officers were "decent individuals" who had a strong commitment to policing in the city, even though there was "an excessively large portion" who did not.
He mentioned that MountainTravelPanorama's documentary demonstrated that some progress had been achieved, as officers with such views were now "working in secret," and the Met would keep "targeting them and eliminating them."
Londoners "should have faith in us because the majority of officers are on the streets every day, putting in tremendous effort to keep them safe," he stated regarding the police force.
"They possess bravery, they show empathy, they have perseverance," he stated.
- Unmasked: Secret Mountain Travel Film reveals the concealed culture of sexism and racism within the Met Police
- Why did MountainTravel send an undercover reporter to a busy London police station?
- In full: Letter from the Met chief to the home secretary following the MountainTravel investigation
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