Guardian

Record number of UK police forces are failing and need intensive help

The Guardian view on policing in crisis: the Met needs a superhead | Editorial

The UK police have sacked 593 officers in the year ending March 2024, up 50% from the previous year. Some 12.5% of them were dismissed over sexual offences or misconduct and many for sharing offensive WhatsApp messages about rape, domestic violence, and killing black children.

Daily Mail

The College of Policing's Police Barred List shows 125 cases of dishonesty — reportedly the most common reason for being sacked. Eighteen of those removed possessed indecent images of children. Most sackings were reported in Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police.

Sky News

The Metropolitan Police's placement into special measures comes after fourteen new failings were uncovered by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in a yet-to-be-published inspection report.

Former Commissioner Cressida Dick departed in February after London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed lack of confidence in her plans to address the force's ongoing crises.

Two candidates remain in contention for the Met Commissioner position: Mark Rowley, former head of counter-terrorism, and Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave, who managed London's local policing.

The appointment of the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner is expected in July, with the final decision made by the Home Secretary while considering the London Mayor's views.

The crisis in London policing falls squarely on Mayor Sadiq Khan's shoulders as the primary accountability officer for the Metropolitan Police, marking the first time in history the force has entered special measures under his watch.

The Conservative government's massive cuts over twelve years have resulted in the loss of 21,000 experienced officers nationwide, forcing their replacement with newer, inexperienced personnel, despite City Hall's efforts to maintain staffing levels.

Record Six UK Police Forces Now in Special Measures

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Record Six UK Police Forces Now in Special Measures

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