Report of IOPC cases relevant to IICSA Westminster Investigation

6 Mar 2019 01:38 PM

In July 2014, the Home Secretary announced the establishment of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).

The inquiry was set up following a number of high profile cases of non-recent child sexual abuse and government concerns regarding the protection afforded to children.

IICSA commenced 13 investigations into allegations of child sexual abuse and exploitation involving people of public prominence associated with Westminster.

Since January 2015 the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been responsible for 37 investigations that broadly relate to allegations of police misconduct connected to allegationsof child sexual abuse involving persons associated with Westminster.

The IOPC is a core participant in the Westminster strand of IICSA and we have sought to assist the Inquiry’s work.

We have compiled this overarching report to assist the Inquiry. This report seeks to:

• Provide an overview of the investigations that have been undertaken which fall within the scope of IICSA’s Westminster investigation;
• Explain the methods by which allegations have been investigated;
• Highlight common themes identified within and between the investigations, both procedural and substantive;
• Identify, insofar as appropriate, common persons relevant to the investigations;
• Explain difficulties or problems encountered in the course of the investigations;
• Summarise the ways in which the investigations have been concluded, and the reasons for this.

The IICSA Westminster Inquiry began on 4 March and is due to run for three weeks. Updates and information relating to the Inquiry can be found on the IICSA website.

The IOPC overview report can be found here.

The IOPC notes that the Inquiry has formally adduced three draft reports into evidence. The IOPC wishes to make clear that these draft reports should not be relied upon as final, as they have been, or will be, subject to further amendment and/or correction.