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Police officers in the largest force in the country could soon be made to tell bosses if they are part of the Freemasons. The Metropolitan Police has started a consultation on adding the group to its declarable associations policy.
Freemasons take an oath of loyalty to the fraternity’s principles and to supporting fellow members.
Scotland Yard said concerns have been raised by officers and staff about the impact that membership of such a group could be having on “investigations, promotions and misconduct”.
The 2021 report said police officers’ membership of the Freemasons had been “a source of recurring suspicion and mistrust in the investigations”.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, who is responsible for setting the strategic direction of policing in London, has previously ruled out a compulsory register of freemasonry in the Met, saying it could go against officers’ human rights.
Officers and staff already have to declare any association with an individual or group that might compromise their integrity or damage the reputation of the force.
Met Commander Simon Messinger said: “We are now consulting on a proposal to add to that list involvement in Freemasonry – and potentially other organisations that could call impartiality into question or give rise to conflict of loyalties – and are keen to hear the views of our officers and staff.
“This does not prevent any member of staff joining the Freemasons or another similar organisation, but it means we will know who is a part of it.
[Ed: An important initiative that should also be applied in Australia to not only police but also judiciary and politicians. There is no place for secret men’s business in a fair and just system. These fraternities inevitably facilitate nepotism and corruption.].
Source: Met Police officers could be forced to reveal Freemason ties to bosses – My London