In a groundbreaking move in British law enforcement history, authorities have initiated a massive crackdown on police corruption, mirroring the strategies that led to the downfall of notorious gangster Al Capone. Over 1,400 police officers and staff members are being targeted in this operation.
Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes revealed that detectives are employing tactics similar to those used against Al Capone by Chicago police in the 1920s. Al Capone, who had evaded murder charges, was eventually arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and later convicted of tax evasion.
Jukes emphasized the comprehensive approach being taken to address organized criminal activities within the police force, likening it to the strategy used against Al Capone. Various indicators such as sickness records, grievances, and monitoring of officers’ device usage are being scrutinized to identify individuals engaging in misconduct.
The focus is also on excessive overtime as a potential red flag for problematic behavior. Jukes highlighted that while overtime is often a legitimate aspect of policing, discrepancies between performance and earnings could indicate issues within the force.
Recent suspensions of nine officers at Charing Cross police station due to allegations of racism and misogyny have further fueled the cleanup efforts. This initiative, prompted by the tragic murder of Sarah Everard by a serving officer, marks the largest purge in the history of the Metropolitan Police, with 1,442 personnel dismissed, resigned, or retired between 2022 and June 2025.
Investigations into police conduct are being conducted by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, which served as inspiration for the popular TV series “Line of Duty.” Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley acknowledged the existence of toxic networks resistant to reform within the force, underscoring the magnitude of the ongoing purge compared to past efforts to tackle corruption.
The disbandment of the entire custody team at Charing Cross police station is underway amid continued investigations. Additionally, arrests and charges have been made against officers involved in mishandling a sexual assault case. Structural changes have been implemented to prevent the formation of power networks and improve accountability within the force.
Following a review by Baroness Casey, revelations of a “dark corner” within the Met where individuals like Wayne Couzens and David Carrick operated have spurred organizational reforms. Efforts to reshuffle officers in specialized units and promote rotation to prevent entrenched power dynamics are part of the ongoing transformation within the Metropolitan Police.
