The Metropolitan Police published a review on Thursday, January 8, into historical vetting and hiring practices as part of its drive to raise professional standards. Concerns have been raised across the borough and questions asked regarding the trustworthiness of the force.
Two serial rapists, alongside 131 officers and staff, committed crimes or misconduct after they were not properly vetted.
David Carrick, one of the UK’s most prolific sex offenders, and Cliff Mitchell were among the officers not thoroughly checked.
Carrick was given 37 life sentences for his crimes and was not properly vetted in 2017, with checks failing to reveal an allegation of domestic abuse against him.
Mitchell joined the force in 2020 after a vetting panel, partly aimed at improving diversity, overturned a decision to reject him despite a previous rape allegation.
The Met Police shared its response: “We are being open and transparent about past vetting and recruitment practices that led, in some cases, to unsuitable people joining the Met.
“We found some historical practices did not meet the strengthened hiring vetting standards we have. Other crimes committed by officers and staff included drug use, violent attacks and affray.”
For many, it is now a question of whether the Met can rebuild the trust it was honoured to begin with.
Asked how these checks were missed, the Met replied: “It is important to highlight that the Met recruits hundreds of officers and staff every year – the overwhelming majority of exemplary character who are dedicated to protecting the public.”
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