Bernard Hogan-Howe will be cross-examined by MPs on Tuesday about the mounting claims of prejudiced behaviour which have so far included reports of racially-motivated abuse, assaults and bullying over the last year.
The Met has now referred 10 cases involving alleged racism to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
Eight police officers and one civilian member of staff have been suspended while a further three have been placed on restricted duties. Six of the police officers currently under investigation over alleged racism are from the Olympic borough of Newham.
The controversy is one of the first major challenges to face Hogan-Howe since he became commissioner in September. He is known to have been concerned about the impact on the police's reputation from serious allegations about a force which, 13 years ago, was branded institutionally racist by the Macpherson inquiry which was set up after the death of Stephen Lawrence.
The latest row began two weeks after the Guardian published a recording in which one constable, PC Alex MacFarlane, can be heard racially abusing a suspect. MacFarlane has been suspended.
Four days later, and after a series of further disclosures, Hogan-Howe urged his staff to report inappropriate behaviour by colleagues, saying he was "shocked" by the revelations and adding: "I will not stand for any racism or racists."
The decision to refer eight new cases to the IPCC was taken after an internal "review" – and amid growing public concern over the claims of racist language and abuse of black suspects.
Keith Vaz MP, chairman of the committee, said: "This is an opportunity to ask the commissioner about the steps he has taken to drive out racism from the Met and to restore confidence in our police service. I welcome the decision taken by the Metropolitan Police to have these incidents investigated thoroughly, and the commissioner's strong words to the force about tackling racism within it. However, these strong words must be backed up with action. It is imperative that there is zero tolerance to racism within the police."
He added: "Members of the committee have expressed their concerns about the most recent allegations of racism that have surfaced in the last two weeks. We hope the commissioner will be able to update the committee on the action that he has taken."
