“In too many respects, the findings from our inspection paint a depressing picture,” Matt Parr, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, said. 

“The force has sometimes behaved in ways that make it appear arrogant, secretive and lethargic. Its apparent tolerance of the shortcomings we describe in this report suggests a degree of indifference to the risk of corruption.”

However, HMICFRS said it found “no evidence” of any deliberate attempts by the Metropolitan Police to frustrate the work of the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel. It also said it would not describe the force as institutionally corrupt.

The report praised the force’s effort to reduce the number of personnel who had not been vetted. In 2018, approximately 16,000 Metropolitan Police staff – 37 per cent of its entire workforce – had either never been vetted or it had expired. By September 2021, it was 671.

However, Mr Parr added: “It is unacceptable that 35 years after Daniel Morgan’s murder, the Metropolitan Police has not done enough to ensure its failings from that investigation cannot be repeated. In fact, we found no evidence that someone, somewhere, had adopted the view that this must never happen again. This will be understandably distressing for Mr Morgan’s family and friends, to whom we send our condolences.

“We found substantial weaknesses in the Met’s approach to tackling police corruption. From failing to properly supervise police officers who have previously committed offences, to inadequate vetting procedures, and much more besides, it is clear that the current arrangements are not fit for purpose. The Met’s apparent tolerance of these shortcomings suggests a degree of indifference to the risk of corruption.

“We have made several recommendations for change. If public confidence in the Metropolitan Police is to be improved, they should be among the commissioner’s highest priorities.”