Almost 200 years since this force was founded, we must face up to an economic downturn and cost-of-living crisis
Nine weeks ago, I took up my new role as Commissioner at the Met. The status quo for London’s police service, often touted as clear cut and singular, is nuanced. We are a public service with a dedicated, honest majority of hard-working officers and staff. We are also an organisation in desperate need of reform. Both of these statements are true.
Fifty days in we are making progress, fuelling my optimism. However, I remain honest about the fact that nothing less than a turnaround, rather than tweaks, is essential to make change a reality.
Sir Robert Peel established the Met in 1829 in the wake of a tumultuous time of civil unrest, severe post-war economic depression and mass unemployment.
He created an alternative to repression by military force and severity of punishment. An ethical, modern policing service serving the public, not the government. Citizens in uniform using their powers with public consent.