Today marks a year since Sir Mark Rowley became Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. When Rowley took over, his predecessor Cressida Dick had been pushed out of office, the force had been placed into ‘special measures’ for the first time in its 200-year history, and public trust had cratered following the conviction of police officers for some of the most heinous crimes imaginable. So has Rowley managed to steady the ship?
Over the past year there is no doubt that Rowley has made progress. He has restored stability – a feat that should not be underestimated. More wrong ‘uns in the force are now facing misconduct proceedings and criminal trials. This week, at an event with Policy Exchange, the Commissioner delivered an unequivocal and welcome message that police officers should not be getting involved with partisan political causes, dancing with protestors or ‘taking the knee’.
When it comes to operational policing the Met has also had some high-profile successes.
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