A police officer investigating serial rapist David Carrick was instructed that a 'streamlined report' would be appropriate for a misconduct probe following a rape allegation, a tribunal has heard. The Metropolitan Police hearing was informed that critical lines of inquiry may have been overlooked during the investigation into Carrick, who ranks among Britain's most prolific sex offenders.
Carrick's Horrific Crimes and Legal Proceedings
David Carrick, 51, a former armed officer with the Metropolitan Police, is currently serving 37 life sentences after confessing to a series of horrific attacks on women over nearly two decades. In 2022 and 2023, he pleaded guilty to 71 sexual offences, including 48 rapes against 12 women spanning 17 years, exposing profound failings within the Met. Additionally, he was later convicted of molesting a 12-year-old child in the late 1980s and repeatedly raping and abusing a former partner.
The Investigation and Alleged Oversights
The tribunal learned that in August 2021, an officer identified as Officer A was assigned to investigate Carrick after a woman, referred to as Female E, alleged he had anally raped her multiple times during their five-month relationship. However, after Female E withdrew from the criminal investigation, the case was closed with 'no further action,' shifting the focus to an internal misconduct probe.
Through a witness statement read to the panel, Officer A testified that she had been directed by her supervisor to adopt a simplified approach. She stated, 'Following the outcome of the 'no further action' for the criminal investigation, I was instructed by my supervisor to complete a streamlined report for the conduct matter.' Officer A added, 'At this stage I was unaware of the different types of outcome reports and I was informed that a streamlined report would be most suitable in this kind of case.'
Training and Experience Gaps
Officer A told the hearing she believed at the time that streamlined reports were fitting when criminal cases had been dropped. When asked about the source of this understanding, she replied, 'From what I can recall now, from five years later, I would say it was from having discussions with my supervisor, my mentor and my colleagues on the team.' The panel heard that while Officer A had prior experience with domestic abuse cases and sex offenders, she received no formal training in misconduct investigations and was essentially 'learning on the job.'
Allegations of Gross Misconduct
Her line manager, Detective Sergeant Ray Mackennon, denies failing to ensure the allegations against Carrick were properly investigated. The hearing has previously been told that an 'inadequate streamlined investigation' was conducted, with claims that key evidence and witnesses were not pursued.
It is alleged that Det Sgt Mackennon failed to ensure or direct Officer A to contact other witnesses, neglected to ensure proper investigation of 'derogatory, misogynistic, sexualised and grossly offensive Facebook messages' between Carrick and Female E's partner, and did not contact Female E herself.
Representation and Broader Implications
Kevin Saunders, representing the appropriate authority, informed the panel that the alleged failings constituted a 'grave dereliction of duty.' He asserted that the shortcomings in the investigation 'are in part or wholly attributed to unconscious or conscious bias regarding Female E's sex or race.' If proven, these allegations could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal.
Carrick's crimes, committed while he served as a firearms officer in the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, have shocked the nation and prompted multiple reviews into policing standards and vetting procedures. Despite numerous complaints and warning signs over the years, Carrick remained in the force, raising serious questions about how he was able to continue offending for such an extended period.
The misconduct hearing, taking place in south London, is scheduled to resume on Wednesday, with further evidence expected to be presented.
