Caroline Pidgeon has called for the review into culture and standards in the Met to specifically include a commitment to look at homophobia, sexism and racism in the service.
Caroline has written to Baroness Louise Casey urging her to update the working terms of reference for her review into culture and standards in the Met, to ensure that the issues of homophobia, sexism and racism in the service are specifically included.
Caroline said:
“We have seen, just this week, a damning report issued by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into the most appalling homophobic, racist and sexist behaviour by some officers at the Charing Cross Police Station, which the IOPC said it did not believe were isolated incidents. From the various reports over recent weeks and months it is clear to everyone that these are not isolated incidents.
“I am also particularly concerned over the Met’s handling of the Stephen Port murders and the subsequent inquest, which has had a profound impact on London’s LGBTQ+ community and their confidence in the police. Therefore, it is essential that the terms of reference for Baroness Casey’s review specify homophobia as an area that will be covered.
“These are working terms of reference and there is no reason why Baroness Casey and the Met cannot agree to update them. After all, this is not just about tackling cultural issues in the Met, but is also the first step towards improving falling public confidence. It is not good enough to simply say these issues will be considered, it should be stipulated clearly in the terms of reference.”
You can read Caroline's full letter here.