The National Chair of Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) responded to the Casey Report on the Met: “I fully agree with Baroness Casey that in order for us to stay world-class we have to accept what is wrong, learn from it, change and move forwards.”
Baroness Casey’s review on the Met’s standards and culture was published this week, including findings related to some serious fundamental and systemic problems in the Met such as racism, misogyny and homophobia.
Responding to the damning report, PFEW National Chair Steve Hartshorn said: “The report has raised many serious issues that cannot be ignored and need to be properly addressed if officers can have confidence in the system in which they work and the public can once again have confidence in policing.
“The weight and seriousness of the findings demonstrate that rightly, the focus now should be the fundamental changes that need to be undertaken to improve our service for the public and our members.
“Culture change is desperately needed across all forces to tackle these grievous issues, not just within the Met,” Mr Hartshon continued.
“This starts from the top through directive, ethical leadership.
“The Police Federation of England and Wales will play its part working with chiefs across the 43 forces to reflect and take action on the recommendations the report has identified based on its conclusions.”
The report also recommended that the Government grants the Commissioner new powers, including providing chief constables the right of appeal to a Police Appeals Tribunal following a misconduct hearing when they conclude the sanction is inadequate.
PFEW stated that it will be championing the continued use of legally qualified chairs (LQCs) who play a vital role in ensuring police misconduct hearings are fair and transparent.
Mr Hartshorn explained: “For the process to be transparent and just, it is vital LQCs, alongside panels consisting of police and members of the public, can do their job and not feel influenced by chief constables and undue political and social pressures.”
(Source: Police Federation of England and Wales)
