Met chief says ‘toxicity’ around DEI will not stop him recruiting more black and Asian officers

Mark Rowley, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has emphasized the necessity of recruiting more black and Asian officers to build trust with minority ethnic communities in London. He stated that he will not be deterred by the ongoing culture wars surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Rowley highlighted that 46% of London’s population comes from a minority ethnic background, while only 18% of Met officers reflect this diversity. He argued that inclusivity is crucial for effective policing, stating,

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"We cannot police London effectively if we fail to recruit from all of London. Effective policing depends upon inclusivity. If you are committed to policing by consent which stands or falls on the trust of all communities, you cannot do without it."

Rowley announced a major recruitment campaign, asserting that the Met has no interest in the politics of the culture wars. He stated,

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"Inclusion is an operational necessity. We cannot be effective if large sections of society do not trust us, do not work with us or do not see policing as a service that understands their experiences. An inclusive workforce is not a public relations exercise. It makes us better at protecting victims, catching criminals and preventing crime."