Metropolitan Police Officers and Staff Accused of Sexual Offences Remain in Service

Strategic Insights -

A review sparked by serial rapist David Carrick has identified 1,633 cases involving 1,071 Metropolitan Police officers and staff who had previously been accused of sexual offences or domestic abuse but were not subject to misconduct hearings. The allegations, spanning the past 10 years, have resulted in no further action being taken in the majority of cases. Despite the force's promise to "do better" after the murder of Sarah Everard, a councillor has questioned the trustworthiness of the institution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Metropolitan Police review has identified 1,633 cases involving 1,071 officers and staff accused of sexual offences or domestic abuse over the past 10 years.
  • Some serving officers and staff have been accused of rape, with the force having more than 43,000 officers and staff in total.
  • The review covers allegations from verbal arguments to the most serious sexual offences, including cases where no further action was taken and where no criminal allegations were made.
  • The force has a history of handling allegations improperly, with serial rapist David Carrick being investigated multiple times without leading to prosecution.
  • Only 1.5 per cent of recorded rapes are prosecuted within a year in England and Wales, and 3 per cent of all sexual offences.
  • The Crown Prosecution Service has stated that domestic abuse cases are particularly difficult to charge due to victim fear of reprisal and homelessness risks.
  • Former Scotland Yard officer David Carrick admitted to 49 offences, including 24 rapes, against 12 women between 2003 and 2020.
  • Carrick's case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and there is an internal review into his unit.

Statistics:

  • 1,633 cases involving 1,071 Metropolitan Police officers and staff accused of sexual offences or domestic abuse over the past 10 years.
  • Only 1.5 per cent of recorded rapes are prosecuted within a year in England and Wales.
  • 3 per cent of all sexual offences are prosecuted within a year in England and Wales.
  • 49 offences, including 24 rapes, committed by serial rapist David Carrick against 12 women between 2003 and 2020.
  • More than 43,000 Metropolitan Police officers and staff in total.

Sources:

  • The Independent, citing Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gray's review
  • The Independent, citing police spokesman's statement
  • The Independent, citing Councillor Anna Birley
  • The Independent, citing London victims' commissioner Claire Waxman
  • Crown Prosecution Service
  • Scotland Yard