Home secretary to order special investigation amid concern inadequate checks during hiring spree may pose criminal risk

The home secretary is to order an independent special inquiry into whether the Metropolitan police allowed hundreds of recruits to join without proper vetting amid fears they may pose a criminal risk.

The Guardian has learned that the inquiry will be carried out by the policing inspectorate, with concerns centred on 300 new officers hired between 2016 and 2023.

Move comes amid fears that requirement for Freemasons to ‘protect each other’ could lead to corruption

Metropolitan police officers must tell their bosses if they are Freemasons, the force has announced, amid fears membership could be linked to corruption.

Britain’s largest force said anyone who is part or has been a member of a “hierarchical organisation that require members to support and protect each other” must declare it.

Home secretary’s plans for a radical reshaping of policing in England and Wales could be delayed due to lack of funds

The home secretary’s ambitions for the biggest reforms to policing since the 1960s are being threatened by a lack of money, with plans being considered for the creation of Britain’s FBI and slashing the number of forces.

Shabana Mahmood believes a radical reshaping of policing in England and Wales is needed, with the number of forces covering local areas being reduced from 43 to as low as the “mid teens” over time.