Four police officers and a civilian employee are to face disciplinary action over alleged errors that allowed serial rapist David Carrick to continue offending. Carrick, a former Metropolitan Police officer, was reported eight times to police before his arrest in 2021.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said all those facing action are from the Met's anti-corruption unit. One detective sergeant faces gross misconduct allegations, which could lead to dismissal. The IOPC found that the Met investigation into potential discipline offences did not speak to the female complainant in a February 2021 rape and sexual assault allegation.
Carrick was first reported to Sussex Police, who passed the case to Hertfordshire Police. It dropped the criminal case but informed the Met, which then dropped its discipline investigation. The IOPC said a detective constable and a police staff member should also face misconduct meetings.
In 2016, a former partner made criminal allegations to Hampshire Police, but no criminal case was brought. The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) was informed but took no action. Two officers now face misconduct proceedings for failing to adequately investigate potential misconduct.
In 2019, another former partner complained to Hertfordshire Police, with no criminal or disciplinary action. Two chief inspectors will be subject to reflective practice for failing to investigate the allegations as potential misconduct. A 2002 case involving assault and harassment claims would have led to a misconduct hearing, but the two officers involved have retired.
Carrick was finally arrested in October 2021 after publicity around Wayne Couzens' conviction led a woman to come forward. In 2023, he pleaded guilty to 85 offences against 12 women, including 48 rapes. IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: 'Had these matters been progressed appropriately, Carrick may have potentially faced gross misconduct proceedings and been dismissed from the force well before he was eventually arrested.'
