Met Police Officers Under Fire Over Botched Probe Into Ex-Cop David Carrick
IOPC Launches Multiple Investigations Into Carrick Scandal
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is probing the Met Police after serious questions arose over their handling of criminal allegations against disgraced ex-officer David Carrick. Despite a 2023 Met review clearing their own ranks, the IOPC’s fresh investigation found enough evidence to open four separate probes into the conduct of eight officers and one staff member.
Missed Chances to Act on Carrick’s History
One key investigation focuses on a 2002 harassment claim from Carrick’s former partner that was quietly dealt with by his line manager—never referred to the Met’s Department of Professional Standards (DPS). Other probes look into officers’ handling of harassment and stalking complaints from 2016 and 2019, plus a rape allegation from February 2021.
Warning Signs Ignored, Records Altered
The IOPC found officers from police constables up to chief inspectors failed to properly pursue misconduct investigations once criminal cases collapsed. Shockingly, Carrick’s name was scrubbed from Met records after criminal probes ended, blocking officers from spotting a troubling pattern. The watchdog slammed these moves, saying misconduct investigations must continue even if criminal evidence isn’t strong enough.
Wide-Ranging Reforms on the Table
IOPC is pushing for national changes, urging police forces and bodies like the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing to tighten vetting, crack down on off-duty misconduct, and flag offences involving officers in crime recording systems. Additionally, a separate probe has started into Wiltshire Police’s handling of a 2016 complaint against Carrick. Findings will feed into the wider Angiolini Inquiry into Carrick’s crimes.
