The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is actively investigating the conduct of ten current or former police officers and staff concerning their handling of allegations against serial rapist David Carrick.
In a rare move exercising the ‘power of initiative,’ the IOPC launched four probes in July, focusing on alleged shortcomings by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in investigating accusations against Carrick in 2002, 2016, 2019, and 2021.
In a parallel development, the IOPC confirmed that two officers from the Wiltshire Police Force have also received notices of investigation in an ongoing inquiry into concerns that Wiltshire Police failed to properly investigate a report made against Carrick in 2016. A Wiltshire police constable and a second officer, now an inspector, have been served with gross misconduct notices.
This investigation was initiated following a voluntary conduct referral from Wiltshire Police in July 2023.
Recent developments in the case against the MPS have also led to the notification of five serving MPS officers—a detective constable, detective sergeant, detective inspector, and two chief inspectors—that they are under investigation for gross misconduct. Additionally, a former MPS officer, now with the City of London Police force, and two retired MPS officers—a former police constable and former superintendent—have been informed of investigations into their conduct for gross misconduct.
A serving MPS staff member and an MPS police constable are also under investigation for misconduct. Misconduct notices have been served due to indications that these individuals may have breached the police standards of professional behavior, specifically in their duty to adequately explore, investigate, supervise, or oversee allegations against Carrick during his tenure as a police officer. However, this does not automatically imply disciplinary proceedings.
Mel Palmer, IOPC regional director, emphasised their commitment to the victims: “Our thoughts remain with all the women who were victims of David Carrick and reported this offending.” Palmer highlighted the crucial nature of the investigations, stating, “If these matters had been adequately progressed, Carrick could potentially have faced gross misconduct proceedings and been dismissed from the police service years before he was eventually arrested.”
While officers have been notified of investigations, the IOPC clarified that disciplinary proceedings will be determined at the conclusion of each investigation. The ongoing evidence-gathering process involves the examination of relevant documents and a meticulous review of the laws, policies, and guidance applicable at the time.
The IOPC continues to work towards identifying learning opportunities for individual forces and national recommendations.
