PCC response to the Casey Review

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PCC Emily Spurrell in front of her office

Merseyside's Police Commissioner has today responded to the release of Baroness Casey's Review into the standards of behaviour and culture at the Metropolitan Police.

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “The findings of Baroness Casey’s report are deeply concerning and make for difficult reading. It highlights significant failures, repeated missed opportunities to reform and reflects an organisation that no longer serves its communities.

“While her findings are based on her extensive review of the Metropolitan Police, there is no doubt the reverberations will be felt across policing as a whole and it is vital that, as police leaders, we recognise the impact it will have on trust and confidence in policing across all our communities.

“It will also have a significant impact on all those working within policing who are working hard to prevent crime and keep people safe.

“This report highlights once again why public oversight and scrutiny in policing is critical, and why I have made it a cornerstone of my Police and Crime Plan.

“It is essential we ask the most challenging questions, ensuring robust action is being taken at every level to root out unacceptable behaviour and language.

“The Chief Constable is committed to ensuring Merseyside Police is transparent and accountable and she is driving forward a number of significant initiatives to make sure the right culture and ethos is embedded at every level across the force.

“That includes delivering both the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan and Police Race Action Plan, fully reviewing the force’s recruitment and vetting processes, empowering staff to challenge any inappropriate behaviour and taking robust action when an individual does not meet the highest standards the public expect.

“I will continue to support and scrutinise this essential work to ensure Merseyside Police delivers the best possible service for all of our communities, as we continue to build a safer, stronger Merseyside.”