Chief Constable Andy Marsh responds to Baroness Casey's review of Met misconduct
The College of Policing has responded to the publication of Baroness Casey of Blackstock's review of the Met Police's misconduct system.
College of Policing Chief Constable, Andy Marsh, said:
“Baroness Casey’s review puts a shameful light on behaviour which has eroded the foundation of our model to police by consent. What has been found has no place in society, let alone in a police service where we should be dedicated to helping the vulnerable. The report makes for difficult reading but it is vital that we listen to what Baroness Casey has found and I know the commissioner and the Met are committed to taking immediate action to resolve these issues.
“Strong leadership from all ranks at the Met is the key to restoring public trust and confidence. It’s why the College of Policing is implementing a new National Centre for Police Leadership that will deliver world class leaders who are equipped with the skills to call out wrongdoing, improve results and bring the service up to the highest standard the public rightly expects.
“I meet with the commissioner and his team regularly and the College of Policing is significantly boosting support in developing sergeants and inspectors, sharing best practice on what works to improve public confidence and giving access to world class training on counter corruption.
“In the summer I made clear in new guidance to the independent chairs of police misconduct hearings that I expected any officer whose actions could affect public confidence to be sacked. Today I want to reiterate that message. We cannot afford to go soft on those who deface the office of constable through their behaviour.
“There is significant work to do but there are tens of thousands of committed men and woman who will be out policing their communities today equally disgusted by what they see in this report. We owe it to them to drive the change needed in policing.”
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Notes to editors
- Legally qualified chairs were introduced in January 2016 for misconduct hearings where the evidence needs to be tested. The College of Policing issued new guidance to them in August to make clear that any undermining of public confidence caused by an officer’s wrongdoing should be central to the decision making around outcomes.
- The National Centre for Police Leadership will set standards for all levels of leadership and provide guidance, tools and resources to support development for everyone in policing.
- The College of Policing is the professional body for everyone working across policing. It sets standards for the service, shares knowledge and best practice and supports professional development of officers and staff.
- Chief Constable Andy Marsh is not available for interview.