The Met Police has been placed under special measures by the police watchdog after a number of "serious or critical shortcomings", the Mirror understands.
Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has moved the force into the Engage phase, which means it has "not responded to a cause of concern, managed or eradicated a cause of concern".
The move comes after the force's controversial handling of Sarah Everard's murder and vigil, the strip search of a 15-year-old black schoolgirl Child Q and the stop and search of Bianca Williams.
It means the Met Police faces even more scrutiny, reporting to inspectors on a frequent basis and the force may be required to meet specific targets.
This marks the first time the Met Police has been placed under greater scrutiny. The Home Secretary has backed the HMICFRS' decision.
In a letter to the acting commissioner of the Met, Stephen House, Matt Parr from the HMICFRS said there are "several examples of high profile incidents" which raise concerns about the Met's performance, LBC reports.
The Times adds the watchdog had made the decision after a number of "serious or critical shortcomings".
“I expect the police to get the basics right," Priti Patel has said.
"It is clear the Metropolitan Police Service is falling short of these expectations which is why I support the action that HMICFRS has taken today to highlight their failings – and I expect the Met and the London Mayor to take immediate action to begin addressing them."
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said he has long been calling for "wide-ranging reforms", "unlike others" he added.
“A series of appalling scandals have not only exposed deep cultural problems but have damaged the confidence of Londoners in the capital’s police service.
“As I have been saying for some time, Londoners deserve better. That’s why we now need to see nothing less than a new contract forged between the police and the public in London. This means root and branch reforms and systemic change to the Met’s performance and culture. "
A spokeswoman for the HMICFRS told the Mirror: “We can confirm that we are now monitoring the Metropolitan Police Service through our Engage process, which provides additional scrutiny and support to help it make improvements.”
Greater Manchester Police was placed under special measures in 2020 for failing to record 80,000 crimes, with the HMIC finding the force's service to victims a "serious cause of concern".
The Mirror has approached the Met Police for comment.
