Baroness Casey’s recently released report on the Metropolitan Police highlighted deep seated issues of racism, homophobia and misogyny within the police force.
Khevyn Limbajee, Cabinet member for Community Safety and Grace Williams, Council Leader released this statement:
Leader of Waltham Forest Council, Cllr Grace Williams said: “Louise Casey concluding just as William McPherson did in the aftermath of Stephen Lawrence’s murder 24 long years ago, that the Metropolitan Police is institutionally racist shows what little progress has been made. A reluctance to accept that institutional racism exists within the Met will doom any efforts to change to failure.
“The force has had nearly a quarter of a century to change its culture and root out racist, misogynist and homophobic officers and staff. It cannot be left to the force to undertake this monumental task once again – independent oversight is required.
“Young people at risk of exploitation and women and children experiencing domestic violence must be able to trust that the police will help them, and that will require a complete transformation of the service they receive. Strengthening neighbourhood policing is critical to restoring trust and confidence.
“The people of London deserve a lot, lot better and we have known this for a very long time.”
Cllr Khevyn Limbajee, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, added: “Let’s be clear, Baroness Casey’s report is a wake-up call for the Metropolitan police.
“I was shocked but not surprised to hear stories this morning of a Sikh officer having his beard cut off ‘because it was funny’; a Muslim officer finding bacon in boots, a black gay officer being openly mocked and another officer saying they don’t trust their own organisation.
“Londoners demand much better from their police force. The Metropolitan Police will need to change quickly and profoundly and be seen to change for it to gain the trust of Londoners.”
On Monday Khevyn and I led our Lets Talk Waltham Forest with the Borough Commander where we answered residents questions on community safety. It is clear that our community are concerned about community safety and the Casey report will further effect trust and confidence in the police.
This week a young person in our community was stabbed and suffered a very serious injury. This has caused further concern. We have been working closely with the police to ensure increased measures are in place to support young people and reassure the community. There will be more officers present at local schools, bus stops and along bus routes in the aftermath of this incident.
This is a watershed moment for the Met and they need to change profoundly to restore trust and confidence. We are asking our Borough Police to work with us – to fully acknowledge the extent of the problems and commit to the reforms set out by Baroness Casey. This will require honesty, openness and a willingness to work with our community to make real change.