UK police watchdog finds ´disgraceful behavior´ at London Police

Britain's police conduct authority said in a report published on Tuesday that it had uncovered evidence of bullying and discrimination within the ranks of the country's largest force, the London Metropolitan Police (Met), reported Xinhua.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has made wide ranging recommendations to the Met after nine linked investigations.

"Disgraceful behavior" by police officers, including racism, misogyny, harassment and the exchange of offensive social media messages, was highlighted in the report.

The IOPC investigations were launched in March 2018 following an allegation that a Met officer had sex with a drunk vulnerable female at a police station. As the operation expanded, concerns were identified involving officers predominantly based at Charing Cross Police Station.

The kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard by a serving Met cop, who is now serving a life sentence, sparked further concerns about misogyny within policing, and violence against women and girls.

The IOPC uncovered messages about police officers attending a festival dressed as known sex offenders, and numerous messages about rape on chat group sites. There were also homophobic comments and the use of words that could be considered misogynist, racist, or constituting disability discrimination.

IOPC Regional Director Sal Naseem said: "The behavior we uncovered was disgraceful and fell well below the standards expected of the officers involved. While these officers predominantly worked in teams in Westminster, which have since been disbanded, we know from other recent cases that these issues are not isolated or historic."

"During our investigations we reviewed thousands of messages exchanged by officers, including many which were highly sexualized, discriminatory or referred to violence," Naseem said.

"These were generally described as banter by officers in their defense. Our investigation showed the officers' use of 'banter' became a cover for bullying and harassment. Colleagues were afraid to speak out about these behaviors for fear of being ostracised, demeaned or told to get another job," he added.

Responding to the report, the Met said it was deeply sorry to Londoners and everyone failed by police officers with their appalling conduct.

"We acknowledge how this will damage the trust and confidence of many in the Met," a spokesperson said.