A newly released internal review has once again placed the Metropolitan Police under the spotlight, revealing entrenched systemic racism within the force. Authored by Dr. Shereen Daniels, the report titled "30 Patterns Of Harm" examines decades of evidence, concluding that racial harm against black communities is not only prevalent but institutionally defended.

A History of Unfulfilled Promises

The review, commissioned by the consultancy HR Rewired, draws on 40 years of evidence and internal documents. It highlights how the Met's leadership and culture have consistently protected the institution from meaningful reform. Dr. Daniels emphasizes that the racial harm inflicted by the force is not a series of isolated incidents but a recurring pattern deeply embedded in its systems and governance.

Baroness Doreen Lawrence, whose son Stephen Lawrence was murdered in a racially motivated attack, expressed her frustration, stating that the findings were "nothing I did not already know." She called for immediate action, criticizing the Met for its repeated failures to implement promised changes. "The police must stop telling us that change is coming whilst we continue to suffer," she said.

Institutional Racism and Its Consequences

The report follows in the footsteps of previous inquiries, including the 1999 Macpherson report and Louise Casey's 2023 review, both of which identified the Met as institutionally racist. Despite these findings, critics argue that the force has made little progress in addressing its deep-rooted issues.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley acknowledged the report's powerful call for systemic change. However, he has faced criticism for his reluctance to fully embrace the term "institutional racism," which Dr. Daniels argues is crucial for achieving clarity and accountability.

Calls for Accountability and Reform

Imran Khan KC, the Lawrence family's barrister, urged Sir Mark Rowley to resign if he fails to recognize and accept the report's conclusions. "This Report lays out in shocking clarity that the time for talking is over," Khan stated, emphasizing the urgent need for action.

The president of the National Black Police Association, Andy George, echoed these sentiments, criticizing the Met's culture of denial and dismissal. He warned that without genuine reform, the force risks returning to "business as normal" once public scrutiny fades.