MPA

We catch up with the ongoing inquiry of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) in Race and Faith issues within the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). This is a surprising move by Mayor Boris Johnson who usually dismisses claims of racism as complete tosh. The fact that this inquiry is taking place is testimony to the strength of the Metropolitan Black Police Association (MBPA)

Black Officers have complained that they are being passed over for promotion. The MBPA announced some time ago, a deeply damaging recruitment boycott. In response the Mayor announced his inquiry as Chair of The Metropolitan Police Authority and then astutely placed the well respected member Cindy Butts to chair the inquiry.

There are some who think that this constitutes a ' hospital pass' in Bullingdon Rugby Club terms. A previous inquiry undertaken by Sir Bill Morris produced many recommendations most of which have not been implemented. The MPS is a past master at absorbing criticism , agreeing to any recommendations you care to make and then smothering these recommendations into its huge bureaucratic labyrinth. Its a form of political Akido and Butts and the Panel will have have its work cut out to produce radical recommendation capable of being implemented.

Watermelon Files will be following the Inquiry and reporting regularly.