Prospect condemns Met Police behaviour, calls for focus on toxic culture

Prospect has condemned toxic behaviours among Metropolitan Police officers, following the shocking evidence revealed by the BBC Panorama investigation.

The union, which represents professional staff, many of those working alongside officers within the Metropolitan Police Service, said the footage from Charing Cross police station exposed a culture of “horrendous discrimination and breaches of rights” that has not been adequately tackled, despite the recent focus on police culture.

The programme revealed serving officers making sexualised and misogynistic comments, expressing racist and anti-immigrant views, and revelling in the use of excessive force.

The union has written to its members encouraging them to highlight instances of unacceptable behaviour so that they can be challenged.

Steve Thomas, Prospect Deputy General Secretary, said: “Trust in the police is absolutely vital in a democracy, but this new evidence following on from recent scandals only further undermines the ability of the Met to command the trust of Londoners.

“Among the many victims of this unacceptable behaviour are staff within the Met Police who have to suffer or witness unacceptable and degrading treatment from their colleagues.

“Prospect is determined to stand up for our members, and to renew our push for a total change of culture within the Service so that behaviours and attitudes are rooted out and staff and the public can have their confidence in the Police restored.