A BBC investigation has uncovered horrifying behaviour inside the UK’s largest police force, with secret recordings showing Metropolitan Police officers frequently making racist and misogynistic comments and boasting about violence.
The footage was captured by BBC journalist Rory Bibb, who spent seven months working undercover at London's Charing Cross police station.
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Hired as a detention officer, the 28-year-old wore hidden cameras while carrying out his duties, gathering evidence of discrimination and misconduct among colleagues.
The investigation follows years of scrutiny of the Met after a 2022 watchdog report revealed widespread bullying, misogyny and racism at Charing Cross. That scandal erupted less than a year after the rape and murder of Sarah Everard by a serving Met officer.
Despite assurances of reform, hidden cameras from the investigation found officers still sharing offensive views. In one incident, a sergeant was caught speaking graphically about his sexual exploits. Another officer was recorded making racist and anti-Muslim remarks during off-duty pub outings.
Many officers warned Bibb to be cautious about what was said in front of new colleagues, highlighting a culture of secrecy within the station.
'Disgraceful' behaviour
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley called the behaviour exposed "disgraceful" and said immediate action had been taken.
Eight officers and one staff member have since been suspended, with two more removed from frontline duties. The Charing Cross custody team has also been disbanded.
"The public can have confidence in us," Rowley told the BBC, adding the force was determined to "identify, confront and get rid of" those who damaged its reputation.
The Met has referred the evidence to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is carrying out its own investigation.
Bibb said he was aware of the risks of going undercover in a police station.
"Walking in on the first day, it’s the last place on earth you’d want to be wearing secret cameras," he said. "You’re around the people who do the investigating."
The assignment was an "emotional rollercoaster". He said working undercover meant lying to colleagues, friends and family. But he believes the evidence shows that while the Met claims to be changing, deep-rooted problems remain.
"Some officers are in the job for the right reasons," he said. "But the toxic culture hasn’t gone away. It’s just been driven underground."
Watch the BBC undercover operation on TVNZ+
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