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IPCC outlines terms of independent investigation into conduct of MPS officer serving on the Sapphire Command

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has yesterday outlined the terms of its independent investigation into the conduct of a Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer serving on the Sapphire Command.

The MPS made a referral to the IPCC on 16 May after allegations were made that the officer, a detective constable on the Sapphire Command in Islington, had falsified entries on the crime report system in relation to the submission of exhibits, advice from the CPS and authorities sought from senior officers.

The allegations emerged following a management review of the officer’s live cases.

The IPCC is investigating all matters uncovered in the management review, and all cases closed by the officer while he was serving on the Sapphire Command are being reviewed to assess the accuracy of the investigation recorded on the crime report system against the investigation actually undertaken.

The investigation is examining the supervisory processes within the Sapphire Command and in particular will consider the standard of supervision that the officer was subject to. It is also reviewing the recruitment process undertaken by the MPS prior to the officer joining the Sapphire Command including any checks made regarding his suitability for the role.

All 21 live cases assigned to this officer have been reallocated by the MPS and previous work done on each case is being reviewed.

The IPCC has also instructed the MPS to conduct a thorough review of the 38 closed cases allocated to the officer while he was serving on the Sapphire Command to ensure that all potential investigative opportunities have been identified and acted upon.

Victims in all cases allocated to the officer will be contacted by the MPS to provide them with an update and to advise them the conduct of the officer is being independently investigated by the IPCC.

IPCC Commissioner Rachel Cerfontyne said:

“This investigation relates to the conduct of an officer serving on the Sapphire Command which investigates rape and sexual assaults. These are serious allegations and it is my duty to ensure that our independent investigation is robust and that victims of such horrific crimes and the wider public have the confidence in the police to report these matters.

“In recent years, the IPCC has investigated a number of cases involving officers based in Sapphire units across the MPS which have highlighted areas of significant learning for the force and we need to consider the extent to which those lessons have been learnt now the unit is under central command.

“The investigation will consider whether any change in policy or practice would help prevent a recurrence of the alleged conduct.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The officer was arrested by MPS officers on 8 June 2012 on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. He has been bailed until 23 August.