Inside the Met’s Anti-Corruption Crusade: Meet DC Zoe Di Carlo
Detective Constable Zoe Di Carlo is part of an elite unit in the Met Police, handpicked to root out corrupt officers and staff. Working in the specialist Domestic Abuse and Sexual Offences investigation unit within the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS), Zoe and her team tackle the grim reality of police misconduct head-on. They’re the frontline warriors investigating tips from the public via the new Anti-Corruption and Abuse hotline run by Crimestoppers — delivering on the Commissioner’s pledge to reform the Met.
From Crime Fan to Corruption Buster
Zoe joined the Met straight out of university in 2008, driven by a fascination with crime inspired by her mum and classic TV shows like Midsomer Murders and Morse. “I started on response, answering 999 calls,” she recalls. “Then I moved to a robbery squad, which introduced me to detective work — and I never looked back.”
Her career path took her through dedicated domestic abuse and sexual assault units, and managing sexual offenders, building a solid foundation before joining DASO, the Anti-Corruption team.
When the DPS team was created, Zoe was intrigued. “People say ‘You’re going to the dark side!’ but I missed investigations. I wanted to take on this new challenge and learn new skills.” She was surprised to learn the team was large and busy — “it’s worrying, but it shows the desperate need for this work.”
Cutting Through Complexity and Corruption
Misconduct investigations are a maze of rules and regulations, but Zoe’s team built their expertise together. “We’re passionate and relentless — we work long hours, do extra shifts, all to get these rotten apples out.”
She’s aware of the fine balance involved: “It’s tough arresting a fellow officer, especially for hidden crimes like domestic or sexual abuse. But their personal life doesn’t excuse their actions. Equally, we owe everyone a fair investigation.”
“We don’t want to be stuck in a grey area. Our aim? Either fully clear someone or take the case to a hearing or court with solid evidence.”
One early win? Clearing an officer after a three-month probe showed the claim was malicious. “That was encouraging,” says Zoe. Though investigations can drag on, the team uses cutting-edge tech like phone download facilities to speed things up and keep complainants informed.
The Public’s Role in Policing the Police
Zoe urges the public: if you suspect police misbehaviour, report it. “We get it — it’s scary to snitch on an officer. People fear not being believed or nothing happening. But we have dedicated investigators ready to take every tip seriously.”
She points out that officers might be stars on the job yet hide terrible behaviour away from public view. “We can’t police their private lives without you telling us.”
Every case can uncover more dirt. “It’s like peeling layers — one allegation can lead to several more, making the work unpredictable but crucial.”
The Real Cost of Policing the Police
Dealing with police suspects adds pressure. “Unlike members of the public, these officers know how serious an allegation is. We have to consider if they should be suspended — they can’t just roam the streets waiting for the outcome.”
That weight makes switching off tricky. But Zoe makes time for gigs, travel, and her Masters in Forensic Psychology to stay grounded.
Zero Tolerance for Corrupt Cops
Zoe is clear on the mission: “If you’re racist, homophobic, abusive, or a sexual offender — you don’t belong in the job.” But she stresses the unit isn’t a witch hunt.
“If you’re a good cop, you’ve got nothing to fear. Don’t worry about being called a snitch — come forward if you’re concerned. We will find the truth.”
It’s a tough job, but DC Zoe Di Carlo and her team stand firm in cleaning up the Met — proving that policing the police isn’t just a promise, it’s happening now.
