All Met sex abuse claims to be examined
ALL allegations of sexual misconduct and domestic abuse against London officers will be examined after the murder of Sarah Everard, as a former government adviser was appointed to lead a review into the Metropolitan Police.
Dame Cressida Dick, the Met Commissioner, announced the launch of the investigation yesterday, adding that similar allegations made against officers and workers at the force over the past 10 years would also be reviewed.
Separately, Baroness Casey was appointed to lead the independent review into the Met that was ordered after the murder of Miss Everard by Wayne Couzens, a serving officer.
Baroness Casey, a cross-bench peer and former homelessness tsar, will examine the culture and standards within the force. There are concerns that warning signs around Couzens were missed.
The review was ordered by Dame Cressida last week as anger grew about Scotland Yard’s handling of the case. The Met Police has been accused of failing to root out misogyny and sexism within the ranks and allowing a “boys’ club” culture to flourish.
Dame Cressida said: “The appointment of Baroness Casey to lead the independent review into our culture and standards is an important step in our journey to rebuild public trust.
“Louise is extremely experienced and highly respected and I know will ask the difficult questions needed for this thorough review. This will build a stronger Met, ensure lasting improvement of our service to London and public confidence in us.”
“We recognise the grave levels of public concern following the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard and other deeply troubling incidents and allegations. I have said that we know a precious bond has been broken.”
Baroness Casey said that she was grateful for the opportunity, though she admitted it would be a difficult task.
Priti Patel has backed the introduction of a new emergency number to help protect lone women late at night. The Home Secretary welcomed a proposal from BT to create a mobile app, potentially with the number 888, to address public concern after the murder of Miss Everard. The service would allow users to have their journeys tracked, triggering an alert if they failed to reach home in time. Women could also use the app to summon police if they felt threatened, according to The Daily Mail.