Met Police launch huge review after officer from Herts admits dozens of crimes
A misconduct hearing on Tuesday is expected to formally dismiss David Carrick
Last updated 17th Jan 2023
The Met Police has revealed it's looking into more than 16-hundred sexual offence and domestic abuse cases involving 1-thousand of its own officers and staff after an officer from Hertfordshire admitted to dozens of crimes against women.
David Carrick - from Stevenage - carried out the offences over an almost 20 year period.
He had come to the attention of police over nine incidents - including allegations of rape, domestic violence and harassment between 2000 and 2021 - but faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings.
The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has admitted "horrific" failures by the force and apologised to victims after an elite armed officer was revealed as one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders.
Sir Mark Rowley apologised to the victims - some of whom were subjected to multiple rapes and humiliating abuse, including being locked in an under-stair cupboard - over missed opportunities to root Carrick out.
"We have failed. And I'm sorry. He should not have been a police officer."
Carrick was arrested for rape by Hertfordshire Constabulary in July 2021 and placed on restricted duties.
He was cleared to return to work when the allegation was dropped, but never returned to full duties because he was suspended after being arrested over a second rape complaint in October 2021.
Carrick will return to court for his two-day sentencing on the 6th of February.
The Home Secretary spoke following his conviction: “This day is a sobering day for the Metropolitan Police Service, and indeed the whole policing family through out the country,”
Suella Braverman added: “This appalling incident represents a breach of trust, it will affect people’s confidence in the police and it is clear that standards and culture need to change in policing.”
She said chief constables needed to follow recent guidance by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary on prioritising vetting and recruiting processes.
“I expect every chief constable to take on board those recommendations and implement them urgently,” she told broadcasters.
Downing Street earlier said that police forces must “root out” any such officers, while acknowledging that public trust has been damaged by the case.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “This is an appalling case and the Prime Minister’s thoughts are with all of his victims.
“We have been clear, there is no place in our police forces for officers who fall so seriously short of the acceptable standards of behaviour and are not fit to wear the uniform.
“Police forces must root out these officers to restore the public’s trust, which has been shattered by high-profile events such as this.
“The Home Office is pushing for improvement and has recently announced a review of police dismissals to ensure the system is fair and effective at removing officers who are not fit to serve.”
Rishi Sunak retains faith in the Met and its chief Sir Mark Rowley, the spokesman said, adding: “The commissioner has acknowledged the significant work required by the force.”