Culture of misogyny and sexism in the police is far worse than a few bad apples

Grace. Inspiring women's stories. Read in browser 'It's little wonder that women tell us they've lost confidence in the police' There is a culture of misogyny, sexism and predatory behaviour in Britain's police forces that spreads far beyond 'a few bad apples', a report published this week revealed

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'It's little wonder that women tell us they've lost confidence in the police' There is a culture of misogyny, sexism and predatory behaviour in Britain's police forces that spreads far beyond 'a few bad apples', a report published this week revealed. The report, from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), was ordered after the rape, kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021 by serving police officer Wayne Couzens. The report found that officers were cleared to join the police after committing rape, sending racist messages, indecent exposure, having criminal links, witness intimidation, drink-driving, domestic abuse and related assaults. One officer who works with vulnerable people was given a final written warning for sending sexually explicit and racist messages to a female colleague. The report looked at the Met Police as well as Kent, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall and Nottinghamshire forces. The Mirror explicitly asked the forces whether any of the officers identified in the wake of the report had been fired. The Met did not directly respond. Instead, Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gray from the Met said: "Being ruthless in ridding the Met of those who corrupt our integrity is central to Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley's vision of reform. "We are setting clear expectations of behaviour and are developing data and technology to identify those who are not fit to serve. "We will succeed with the vast majority of our honest and dedicated officers and staff. We welcome the HMICFRS' report and will carefully consider the opportunities for learning and improvement." When repeatedly asked if any officers had been sacked following the report, Nottinghamshire Police refused to comment. Kent Police said they would provide a comment in due course. Dorset Police as well as Devon and Cornwall Police said no officers mentioned in the report were identified in their ranks. The watchdog reviewed 11,277 police officers and staff, examined 725 vetting files, considered 264 complaint and misconduct investigations as well as interviewing 42 people. National Police Chiefs' Council chairman Martin Hewitt described the conclusions as "very bleak", but said recruitment standards have been undergoing a process of reform since the murder of Ms Everard.

The inspirational woman who has been a pioneer for black communities in Wales Commenting on the report, Zainab Gulamali, policy and public affairs manager at Women's Aid said: "This report shows a series of serious failures when it comes to tackling sexism and misogyny within the police. It is little wonder that women tell us they have lost confidence in the police and that only one in five women report domestic abuse. "Confidence is especially low in black and minoritised women, deaf and disabled, and those with insecure immigration status, who face extra barriers to accessing support.  "The government and police force leaders must acknowledge an urgent need for change. To restore women's confidence in police, we must see an overhaul of the police recruitment, vetting and misconduct processes.  Mandatory training delivered by domestic abuse specialists across all levels of police is urgently needed, as well as a fundamental change in attitudes. All police forces must challenge and eradicate any sexist, misogynistic and racist attitudes that exist within their organisations - and indeed throughout society - which we know normalise violence against women and girls.  "We know women already fear being blamed, dismissed or disbelieved when reporting abuse. Much more needs to be done to show survivors they'll be supported when coming forward." Read next: 5 police report bombshells - from hiring domestic abusers to 'staring at copper's breasts' Met Police refuses to take action after 'officer sends woman inappropriate texts' Thousands of bent cops on UK streets as watchdog finds culture of sexism and poor vetting​​​​​​​

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