63 rape and sexual assault cases to be looked at again by the Met, as detective constable is arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice
Camden New Journal, Published: 14 June, 2012 by RICHARD OSLEY and PAVAN AMARA
SCORES of rape and sexual assault investigations are under review after a detective constable was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
The officer was arrested on Friday, three weeks after being suspended from work.
Concerns had been raised by senior colleagues in the Sapphire Unit, a team that investigates sex crimes across Camden and Islington.
Two properties were searched following the arrest by the Directorate of Professional Standards (IPS). The officer, who has not been named, was later released on bail.
It has been confirmed that 63 cases are now being looked at again, and police said that any victims concerned at the handling of their cases should contact them.
Of those under review, 26 are “live” cases and a further 37 had been marked complete. New officers have been assigned to the open inquiries. Two victims have already talked to the officers about the inquiry inside the department and what it could mean for their cases. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said it would investigate the circumstances. Initial concerns related to potential inaccuracies in crime reports.
The Sapphire Unit for the area is based at Islington police station but covers cases across both boroughs.
It was set up to ensure that not only the perpetrators of sex crimes are brought to the courts, but to also provide victims with care and support.
A spokesman for the Met said: “It was brought to the attention of the senior management of Sapphire that there may be inaccuracies in some of his crime reports.
"The officer was suspended from duty on Friday, May 18, and due to recent significant developments in the investigation a decision was taken to arrest the officer.
"We want victims to have the confidence that we are here for them, will believe them and will conduct our investigations professionally.
"Victims must be at the heart of every rape investigation.
"Any suggestion that an investigation is not up to the high standard expected will be fully investigated and any officers involved in potential failings dealt with robustly.”
Lisa Longstaff, spokes¬woman for Women Against Rape based at the Crossroads Women’s Centre in Kentish Town, warned that trust in the police was being eroded. “If a case is proven, what this detective has done is played with rape victims’ mental health, their lives, and let society down,” she said.
Ms Longstaff said that victims who want access to independent help could contact Women Against Rape at the centre.
