Committee chair Keith Vaz announced the inquiry at the end of a question and answer session with Met Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe during which MPs quizzed him on the force’s treatment of Stephen Lawrence’s family.
He was also questioned about accusations of police corruption and the behaviour of undercover officers, including their relationships with those they had under surveillance.
Sir Bernard earlier dismissed suggestions that a ranging inquiry into the Met was needed as “nonsense” and insisted accusations of historic wrong-doing by officers would not damage the force’s reputation.
He told MPs that Londoners were able to distinguish between actions of officers many years ago and the force of today which was committed to providing the public with honest, respectful policing.
He also said the force was far more scrutinised today than at any time in its history.
Since 2012 the Met has answered directly to the Mayor and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime which sets its budget and overall strategic direction.
The force is also scrutinised by the London Assembly’s Police and Crime committee which the Commissioner, his deputy and other senior officers regularly appear in front of.
