The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is launching investigations into the conduct of 10 current or former police officers and staff over their handling of allegations against serial rapist David Carrick. Carrick, who was sentenced to life in February for a series of violent sex attacks against 12 women between 2003 and 2020, had abused his authority as a police officer to commit these heinous crimes.
The IOPC is specifically looking into five serving Metropolitan Police officers, including a detective constable, detective sergeant, detective inspector, and two chief inspectors, who were informed this month that they are under investigation for gross misconduct. Additionally, a former Met officer now with the City of London Police force and two retired MPS officers—a former police constable and former superintendent—are also being investigated for gross misconduct.
A serving MPS staff member and an MPS police constable have been advised they are under investigation for misconduct.
IOPC regional director Mel Palmer stated that after a review, the watchdog decided to launch investigations into “multiple alleged failings” of police officers and staff who investigated or assessed allegations against Carrick. Palmer emphasised that had these matters been adequately progressed, Carrick might have faced gross misconduct proceedings and been dismissed from the police service years before his eventual arrest.
Carrick’s case exposed serious flaws in the police’s approach, with the Met Police acknowledging that they missed opportunities to identify and pursue Carrick through the misconduct process. The IOPC investigations will determine whether disciplinary proceedings should be initiated against the individuals involved.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson expressed regret for the harm caused by Carrick and acknowledged the serious flaws in their approach. The Met had urged the IOPC in January 2023 to review its handling of all matters related to Carrick, emphasising their commitment to identifying and eliminating individuals who corrupt police integrity.
The Met’s spokesperson added, “We are absolutely committed to identifying and rooting out those who corrupt our integrity and have no place in policing. We welcome the important role that independent scrutiny has to play in improving our practices in this area as we work determinedly to rebuild trust and confidence in the Met.”
