Over 63 sex cases under review as police officer arrested
The Metropolitan Police is reviewing more than 60 rape and sexual assault cases following the arrest of a detective on suspicion of peverting the course of justice.
The detective, who was assigned to the specialist “Sapphire Command” sexual offences unit, was suspended in May over allegations that he falsified entries on the crime report system in relation to the submission of exhibits, advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and authority from senior officers to make decision on charges.
He was being held in custody while two properties were searched and pending futher investigations following “recent significant developments”, said a spokesman. The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been called in to take over the investigation.
26 live investigations are being looked at as well as 37 closed cases. Channel 4 News has been told that each case is being re-examined in meticulous fashion. Some may have led to convictions. All the live investigations have now been assigned to new officers.
So far two victims have been contacted about their investigations.
The detective, who had been at the unit based in Camden and Islington in north London for the past two-and-a-half years, is the second officer from the special rape investigations unit in two years to be placed under investigation.
Last month the CPS charged former detective constable Ryan Coleman-Farrow with 13 counts of misconduct in public office over allegations he falsified documents and letters to potential victims telling them their cases were discontinued for lack of evidence. He will appear in court on the 20 June.
Other victims are being asked to call the unit on 0207 421 0282 if they have concerns about how their cases were handled.