Police in London have recruited criminals and have lost ID cards, according to a report.

An independent investigation released Tuesday examining the London Metropolitan Police identified internal corruption risks and connections to criminals within the agency.

In its study, the police inspectorate, an independent oversight organization, offered a terrible and chaotic picture of London's police force.

It was discovered that more than 100 past offenders of offenses such as handling stolen goods, drink-driving, drug possession, assault, and theft had been hired by Britain's largest police department. In the last two years, a number of people have been hired.

It was discovered that the "Met" had lost track of almost 2,000 ID cards since their owners departed the police. Given the specifics of the March 2021 rape and murder of Sarah Everard, who was abducted after a London police officer used his badge to gain her trust, this failure is particularly appalling.

Officers who have not been vetted

The audit concluded that the Metropolitan Police Service had no idea if thousands of officers were fit for their jobs, or whether those in sensitive positions like child protection, major crime investigation, and informant handling had been thoroughly screened.

It also revealed examples of missing evidence, such as drugs, jewelry, and money, as well as incorrectly stowed firearms and "dangerous" property handling techniques.

There is no institutionalized corruption.

Although the investigation found no evidence of institutional corruption inside the force, it expressed worry about the inadequate practices.

The inspectorate's chairman, Matt Parr, said, "The Met's apparent tolerance of these flaws shows a degree of apathy to the risk of corruption."

After an investigation discovered that police had tampered with the investigation into the 1987 killing of private investigator Daniel Morgan, the investigation was launched last year. Despite multiple investigations, no one has been found guilty of his murder.

According to the most recent report, current standards remained bad decades after the scandal.

Met admits to inadequacies.

In response, the London Police Service stated it was "very troubled" by the findings and that it was evaluating its procedures. It apologized to Daniel Morgan's family in a statement and acknowledged that it needed to improve.

"I take anti-corruption work very seriously," stated Deputy Commissioner Sir Steve House. It is well-funded, and our efforts in this area have been lauded. This will go on indefinitely."

"However, we will examine the structures and processes in response to the Police Inspectorate's request to ensure that they are as effective as possible."

Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, called on London's mayor and the new police commissioner to "correct these inadequacies."

Last month, Met chief Cressida Dick resigned after London's mayor lost faith in her abilities to clean up the force.