The Met confirmed that some accused officers have been permitted to remain in service
The Met police are investigating allegations of sex offences and domestic abuse against serving officers and staff in the wake of Sarah Everard’s murder.
An urgent review of current cases is underway, looking at past conduct, supporting victims, and ensuring investigations are “absolutely thorough”, the Met said in a statement on Friday.
The review will examine the vetting history of “any individual against whom allegations have been made”. The Met confirmed that some accused officers have been permitted to remain in service.
“The examination will also dip sample cases from the last ten years of sexual misconduct and domestic abuse allegations where those accused remain in the Met. This will check appropriate management measures (including vetting reviews) have been taken,” the statement reads.
📰 | Baroness Casey of Blackstock to lead review of Met standards and culture
Commissioner Cressida Dick: "This is an important step in our journey to rebuild public trust. I know Louise will ask the difficult questions needed for this thorough review."https://t.co/a51HgBn8x4
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 8, 2021
The Met said the review, by Baroness Louise Casey, who was previously the national Victims’ Commissioner and reviewed child protection in Rotherham, is part of efforts to restore public trust following the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard by former officer Wayne Couzens.
The review is separate from a public inquiry announced by Priti Patel on Tuesday, which will look at how Couzens was allowed to remain in the police and “wider issues” raised by the case.
Related links
Inquiry launched into ‘systematic failures’ that led to Wayne Couzens working for Met Police
Wayne Couzens will never be released from jail over kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard
Police boss slammed for saying women need to be ‘streetwise’ after Sarah Everard murder
Baroness Casey said: “Trust is given to the police by our, the public’s, consent. So any acts that undermine that trust must be examined and fundamentally changed.
“This will no doubt be a difficult task but we owe it to the victims and families this has affected and the countless decent police officers this has brought into disrepute.”
Commissioner Cressida Dick hailed the review as “an important step in our journey to rebuild public trust”.
“We recognise the grave levels of public concern following the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard and other deeply troubling incidents and allegations. I have said that we know a precious bond has been broken. “The Met has huge numbers of wonderfully professional officers and staff but I also recognise the behaviour of too many is of serious concern.”
