…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Police Watchdog Launches Multiple Probes into Handling of Complaints against Serial Rapist Police Officer
Background of David Carrick’s Crimes and Coercion
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has initiated several investigations into the conduct of eight Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers and one staff member regarding their handling of complaints against former police officer David Carrick, a serial rapist.
Carrick, a former elite firearms officer in the MPS’s Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, carried out a prolonged campaign of rape and abuse throughout his policing career.
Colleagues had given him the nickname “Bastard Dave.”
Earlier this year, he was convicted and sentenced to jail for subjecting numerous victims to physical and emotional abuse, using his position as a police officer to intimidate them into silence.
IOPC Criticism and Missed Opportunities
The IOPC expressed its dissatisfaction with the MPS’s failure to identify any potential conduct issues related to officers involved in handling reports that could have resulted in earlier intervention against Carrick.
After conducting an internal review, the IOPC announced four separate investigations into the conduct of the MPS officers and staff members involved.
The IOPC’s regional director, Mel Palmer, stated that these investigations would determine whether the individuals should face disciplinary proceedings.
The officers being investigated range in rank from police constable to chief inspector. The MPS confirmed that five of the officers were still serving, two had retired, and one was working in another police force.
Focus of the Investigations and Past Allegations
The IOPC’s investigations are centered around four separate allegations made against Carrick before his arrest in October 2021, none of which resulted in disciplinary action against him.
In one instance, a former partner made a harassment allegation against Carrick in 2002 when he was a probationary constable.
However, Carrick only received a conversation with his line manager as a response.
In three other cases, different police forces investigated Carrick for allegations of stalking, harassment, and rape in 2016, 2019, and 2021 respectively.
Nevertheless, these investigations did not progress, and no further action was taken.
The IOPC highlighted the fact that Carrick’s name was removed from the MPS’s system after criminal investigations were dropped in two cases, preventing the establishment of a complete picture of his pattern of offending.
Subtitle 4: Concerns and Commitment to Independent Scrutiny
The IOPC expressed deep concern about the removal of Carrick’s name from the MPS’s system and the subsequent inability to fully comprehend the extent of his offenses.
The MPS confirmed that they had requested an independent review of their handling of the allegations and welcomed the IOPC’s independent investigations.
The MPS spokesperson reiterated the commitment to identifying and removing individuals who undermine the integrity of the police force.
They acknowledged the importance of independent scrutiny in improving practices and rebuilding trust and confidence in the MPS.
The spokesperson also mentioned the ongoing work of the independent inquiry led by Lady Elish Angiolini, which is examining the extent to which Carrick’s conduct and crimes were known and investigated at the time.
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