Four police officers and a staff member are set to face disciplinary proceedings after an investigation into the handling of allegations against former Met Police officer and convicted serial rapist David Carrick.
The Metropolitan Police Service announced in July last year that it was conducting four independent investigations into the actions taken after multiple reports of serious offences were made against Carrick between 2002 and 2021, during his time as a serving officer. Despite several complaints, Carrick continued to serve until his arrest in October 2021. He was subsequently jailed in February 2023 for his crimes.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that a detective sergeant will face a gross misconduct hearing, while three other officers and a staff member will face misconduct hearings for alleged breaches of police standards of professional behaviour. The disciplinary proceedings come after concerns were raised about the response of law enforcement to reports of Carrick’s actions over the years.
Carrick’s case has highlighted significant failings in how the police handled serious allegations against their officers, prompting widespread criticism of the Metropolitan Police’s internal procedures and their ability to hold officers accountable.
Further details regarding the disciplinary hearings and outcomes are expected to be released as the investigation continues. The IOPC’s actions represent an attempt to address the failings in the force’s conduct and restore public confidence in how misconduct allegations are managed, particularly when it involves law enforcement officers
