Andrew Murrison MP has requested a meeting with newly instated Chief Constable Catherine Roper to discuss the findings of Baroness Louise Casey’s review of the Metropolitan Police published today. The damning report concludes that the Met is institutionally racist, misogynistic and homophobic. Casey highlights numerous instances of bullying and harassment as well as a ‘culture of denial’ which sees complaints overlooked or discouraged.
The report comes after indicators of Wiltshire Constabulary’s performance have worsened in recent months. Victims of sexual assault have been waiting longer for their assailant to be charged and overall victim satisfaction with the Constabulary has declined 5% over the last five months to 73.6%. In recent months, there have also been several examples in which serving police officers in Wiltshire Police have abused their position or exhibited sexually indecent behaviour. In a report from HMS Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services published in July 2022, it was concluded that Wiltshire Police requires improvement or are inadequate in a number of areas. In the report, HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams wrote that she had “serious concerns about how the force responds to the public, protects vulnerable people and makes use of its resources.”
Andrew said;
“The Casey report is a watershed moment for the Met. I want to be assured we are not in a similar position in Wiltshire, noting recent instances of abuse and misconduct in the local force and the findings of external scrutineers. After the Sarah Everard case and horrendous crimes of David Carrick in London, it is absolutely necessary that all police forces take a long hard look at themselves. The public must have confidence in the police. I welcome Chief Constable Roper’s commitment to rebuild trust in the force and look forward to having a frank and productive exchange with her on these issues.”