The Met Police have been placed into an advanced stage of monitoring after being hit by a series of scandals.

Over the last few years the Met Police have been hit by a series of scandals, from the murder of Sarah Everard and the strip-search of Child Q, to officers being caught exchanging offensive messages. The force now faces an unprecedented decision, in which they will be placed under "special measures" and be monitored by the HM inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

The HMICFRS would state: "We can confirm that we are now monitoring the Metropolitan Police Service through our engage process, which provides additional scrutiny and support to help it makes improvements."Monitoring by the HMICFRS is put into place when a force "is not succeeding in managing, mitigating or eradicating" a cause of concern.With this in place, the UK's largest police force will be required to report to inspectors on a more regular basis and could be asked to meet certain crime-fighting targets.In response to this news, the Met Police have said:

"We recognise the cumulative impact of events and problems that the Met is dealing with. "We understand the impact this has had on communities and we share their disappointment."We are determined to be a police service Londoners can be proud of. We are talking to the inspectorate about next steps."The home secretary, Priti Patel, has commented that the Met Police has fallen short in getting "the basics right" and that efforts are being made to "recruit a new commissioner".

She added: "I have made clear that the successful candidate must demonstrate sustained improvements in the Met Police in order to regain public trust both in London and across the country."The new commissioner will need to deliver on the public's priorities for the police - making our streets safer, bearing down on crime and bringing more criminals to justice, while continuing to recruit thousands of new officers to protect local communities."