By ‘Some police officers are racist,’ admits professional standards chief
Speaking to BBC Two’s Newsnight, a senior Metropolitan Police officer has admitted concerns regarding a problem with racism within the force.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Bas Javid said that some officers are racist and share racist views, but denied that the Met itself is a “racist organisation”.
Two black police officers also said they felt the issue “was getting worse”, with one claiming a supervisor used a racial slur against him.
The second officer claimed senior leaders had suggested black people were not smart enough for the Met.
Mr Javid has said he was “extremely disappointed” to hear the allegations which had been brought to light, and which include the force failing to deal with complaints.
“What I’d like to see is an organisation where people feel comfortable to come forward and report it so we can deal with it effectively,” added Javid.
This news comes at a time when the Met finds itself under scrutiny in the wake of the resignation of Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick.
Bas Javid added that: “there was absolutely no room for racism in policing.”
“If people are found to be racist or discriminatory in any way, then I will do absolutely everything I can to make sure they’re removed from the police,” he said.
