CAMPAIGNERS for justice for victims of the police riot at Orgreave say revelations of the scale of criminality at the Met must lead to greater scrutiny and accountability of Britain’s police forces.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed today that 161 of its serving officers have criminal convictions, including for violence and sexual abuse.

The number of criminals in uniform was admitted by the force’s Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley today in an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

It was the latest development in a catalogue of exposures which have left the Met’s reputation in tatters, but which has also brought into question the calibre of officers in other forces.

One week ago a North Yorkshire police officer was found guilty of dragging a woman out of bed by her hair in a violent sexual assault.

The Metropolitan Police has been found guilty of institutionalised racism, misogyny and homophobia.

Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign (OTJC) secretary Kate Flannery said: “While some individual police officers may now be being exposed and punished, those officers responsible for shocking violence at Orgreave and in mining communities across Britain during the strike remain unpunished.

“The Tories still refuse any kind of inquiry to expose the truth about what happened 39 years ago at the police riot at Orgreave.

“There was never any investigation into the conduct of the police for assaulting, wrongfully arresting and falsely prosecuting so many miners, nor for lying in evidence. Not a single officer faced disciplinary or criminal proceedings.

“The impunity with which police officers and police services acted during the miners’ strike still seems to be evident with some police officers believing they are above the law.

“Many police forces, not just the Met, repeatedly abuse their power with little or no accountability. Constant reviews of police malpractice and misconduct are not the answer. 

“We need much more robust scrutiny, standards and investigation processes to prevent officers who perpetrate and perpetuate violence and abuse from being given and maintaining positions of power.”

The government is awarding police greater powers through legislation, including action to prevent protests.