watchdog discovered serious shortcomings in vetting and misconduct checks, Met Police is under increased scrutiny

The Metropolitan Police is facing renewed pressure to overhaul its standards after a watchdog delivered a sharply critical assessment of the force’s vetting and misconduct procedures. The report has revived concerns about trust in the UK’s largest police service and raised questions over how so many long-standing failings were allowed to persist.

In its latest review, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services said the Met had made “insufficient progress” despite being warned repeatedly over the past two years to tighten up its checks on serving officers. Inspectors said the force is still struggling with fundamental weaknesses in how it assesses applicants, supervises staff and removes personnel facing serious allegations.

The inspectorate also criticised the Met for lengthy delays in dealing with officers accused of gross misconduct. Some individuals have spent years on restricted duties while cases have stalled or disciplinary action has been slow to progress. According to the report, these delays pose risks to both public confidence and the integrity of the force.

The findings add to the mounting political pressure on commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who has promised to raise standards following a series of high-profile scandals involving serving officers. Although Rowley has introduced several reforms since taking charge, the inspectorate said the pace of change remains far too slow given the scale of the problems.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the report exposed “deep-rooted cultural and organisational problems” inside the Met. She announced that the government would legislate to strengthen independent oversight and accelerate the removal of officers found guilty of serious misconduct. Cooper warned that ministers would act again if the force failed to demonstrate rapid improvement, saying the public “deserves policing they can trust.”

In response, the Met said it accepted the findings and acknowledged that significant work still lies ahead. The force said it has begun improving vetting and disciplinary processes but admitted that rebuilding confidence would require sustained effort.

The report is expected to be examined further by Parliament’s home affairs committee, adding to the mounting scrutiny facing the Met as it attempts to deliver long-promised reforms.