London Mayor Boris Johnson launches review into Met Police anti-racism progress

Thursday, May 31, 2012
8:39 AM

London mayor Boris Johnson is launching a review of measures to eradicate racism in the Met Police.

Mr Johnson will launch the review, which will report back in the autumn, alongside Met commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe today.

In 2008, the Mayor commissioned a Race and Faith Inquiry looking into racism in the force.

As a result of the inquiry, the Met said it would open up senior positions to people from different backgrounds, even if they had not started working as a constable.

The report also said it should be easier for staff to apply for internal promotions and transfers.

Mr Johnson said he wanted the force to “build better relations with the communities it serves”.

He said: “The commissioner and I are in absolute agreement that racism within the Met, whose officers and staff are in a special position of trust, will not be tolerated.

“We are committed to driving forward the changes needed to ensure the Met provides an excellent level of service to the entire community.”

Mr Hogan-Howe said: “I have made it clear that I will not tolerate racism within the MPS and we will deal with it robustly wherever it occurs.”