Rachel Morgan reports: A new independent review is set to scrutinise the Metropolitan Police's efforts to reform its practices and culture following the murder of Sarah Everard in 2021. The 'Casey 2' inquiry will assess whether the force has genuinely implemented the recommendations made by Baroness Casey in her original report, which highlighted systemic issues including institutional racism, misogyny, and homophobia within the UK's largest police force.
The Casey Review exposed a catalogue of failings, including weaknesses in vetting procedures, misconduct processes, and a culture that enabled discriminatory behaviour to persist. The report's findings led to widespread criticism and calls for fundamental change, with many arguing that the Met had lost the trust of Londoners – particularly women and girls.
Against this backdrop, 'Casey 2' will examine the effectiveness of new vetting procedures, the force's approach to tackling misogyny and sexism within its ranks, and broader organisational changes aimed at creating a more inclusive and accountable environment. The review is expected to provide an independent assessment of whether the Met has made meaningful progress in addressing the deep-seated issues identified previously.
The announcement of 'Casey 2' reflects growing recognition that sustained external scrutiny is necessary to ensure genuine change. The review's findings are anticipated within approximately 18 months and will be critical in determining whether the force is on track to regain public trust and uphold its duty to protect all communities.
This ongoing scrutiny also underscores the significant pressure on the Metropolitan Police to demonstrate tangible improvements. The implications of 'Casey 2' are far-reaching, as the Met's ability to effectively police London relies heavily on maintaining public confidence. Any failure to show substantial progress could exacerbate existing concerns and lead to further calls for radical intervention.