MPA Statement: IPCC report of the investigation into the Worboys case

20 January 2009

“The MPA’s priority is to make sure the Metropolitan Police Service tackles issues that matter most to Londoners: fighting crime and reducing criminality. The standard of investigation into John Worboys fell below what we expect of our police service. The Authority has been briefed about specific actions taken following this case and internal disciplinary processes regarding officers involved.

“ The Commissioner spoke to the Vice Chair of the MPA this morning to make him and the MPA aware that the he has asked the IPCC to review their investigation in light of the new allegation that officers laughed at one victim. The MPA considers this to be the appropriate course of action, and will await the outcome of those enquiries.

“The MPA will work with the Met to implement the IPCC’s recommendations specifically those where the MPA can provide direct 'feed in', for example building links with the voluntary sector, providing public information and intelligence sharing.

“We recognise that the Met analysed the failings on borough in this case, and that there have been significant changes to the way the organisation manages intelligence and carries out sexual offence investigations. Consequently the Serious Sexual Offences investigation command has been established in the Met’s Serious Crime Directorate. This will ensure that in future such cases are investigated by officers who are highly trained specifically to deal with serious sexual assault.

“The reporting of rape or sexual assault is a very difficult decision for an individual to make, and we know already that under - reporting is a significant factor in this area. It is essential that public confidence in the police response to reports of rape and sexual offences is maintained and the MPA expects the Met to do everything possible to reassure Londoners that reported incidents will be vigorously investigated.”

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