Report reveals scale of police misconduct across England, Wales
Al JazeeraNov 27, 2022
The Facts
A new report by a police watchdog reveals what it calls a widespread culture of misogyny and predatory behavior fed by poor vetting practices among police forces in England and Wales.
The report found that out of 725 sample cases, there were concerns about 131 officers who should have failed vetting checks due to criminal records, being suspected of serious offenses, having substantial debts, or familial links to organized crime.
The Spin
Narrative A
The growing issues in the police force have been brewing for decades, with warning signs repeatedly going unnoticed. This latest report signals that the rotten core of the force may finally be coming to a head, and unless a drastic change in course is taken, growing public mistrust will only foment an imminent revolt against the boys in blue.
Narrative B
While the findings outlined raise serious concerns and should be properly addressed, with crime at a record 20-year high, now isn't the time to derail UK's police force. Reform is undoubtedly needed, but there should be a concerted effort to unite rather than foment an us vs. them mentality.
