BBC investigation exposes racism and misogyny in UK police force
A BBC Panorama investigation has uncovered extensive allegations of racism, misogyny, corruption, and bullying within the UK police force, following a seven-month undercover operation.
More than 300 individuals came forward with claims detailing discriminatory behavior, abuse of power, and mistreatment of victims by police officers. The program focused on one of London’s busiest police stations, revealing disturbing evidence of racism, sexism, and excessive use of force among officers.
Widespread Sexism and Mishandling of Sexual Assault Cases
Hundreds of testimonies shared with the BBC highlighted a pattern of sexist attitudes, particularly in cases involving sexual assault and domestic violence. Some women described their experiences with police as traumatic, saying that reporting sexual violence felt like being victimized again.
One woman, identified as “Joanna,” said that after reporting an assault by her partner, an officer laughed and told her to “be brave.”
“I had bruises on my face, but they looked at me like I was exaggerating. I wish I hadn’t gone,” Joanna told the BBC.
Another victim, referred to as “Ava,” said she was repeatedly raped and beaten while pregnant, but the police failed to believe her.
“They told me, ‘No one gets raped more than once.’ What they put me through was worse than the assaults themselves,” she said, adding that her treatment was even harsher because she is Black. Ava claimed that crucial evidence in her case was deliberately ignored.
Institutional Failures and Delayed Response
A third woman, “Claire,” described enduring 12 years of abuse before her partner was restrained by a court order — an order he later violated.
“He broke into my house, and the police took seven hours to arrive. When they did, they laughed and chatted with him. I had to stay with a friend for months with my three children,” she said.
Official Reactions and Promises of Reform
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) responded to the findings, stating that it is committed to building a “culture of honesty and trust” and has strengthened its oversight and disciplinary systems. The council noted that its Domestic Violence Training Programme, introduced in 2016, is now implemented in 37 out of 44 police forces across England and Wales, with the goal of increasing awareness of sexism and misogyny among officers.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones condemned the findings, calling the reported attitudes and comments “disgusting and unacceptable.”
“There is no place in public service for people who behave like this. Powers have been granted to remove them from the force,” she said.
The BBC confirmed that the identities of all women interviewed were changed for security reasons. The investigation has reignited calls for independent oversight and systemic reform within the UK’s policing institutions.
