David Carrick, a former Metropolitan police officer, was sentenced to life imprisonment last year for 49 offenses, including 24 rapes against 12 women.

Carrick was arrested in October 2021, after which 12 victims came forward, leading to his conviction for 85 serious offenses, including 48 rapes.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) conducted four investigations into the Metropolitan Police's response to multiple reports against Carrick between 2002 and 2021.

The IOPC determined that there were multiple failures in investigating Carrick's past allegations, including claims made by former partners in 2016 and 2019.

Carrick was allowed to continue his crimes despite four serious reports filed against him between 2002 and 2021.

Previous reports of assault against Carrick were inadequately investigated by both the Metropolitan Police and external agencies, leading to no charges being brought.

Carrick was known to police for serious allegations dating back to 2000, with multiple complaints made in 2002, 2004, 2009, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2021.

Carrick was first reported to Sussex Police, which forwarded the case to Hertfordshire Police, who also dropped the criminal case but informed the Metropolitan Police.

One officer will face a gross misconduct hearing, while three others and a staff member will undergo misconduct meetings for breaches of police standards.

Reports in 2016, 2019, and 2021 also failed to result in charges or appropriate internal investigations despite evidence of misconduct.

The IOPC determined that a detective sergeant should face a gross misconduct hearing due to failures in supervising investigations against Carrick.

The proceedings against the officers highlight significant failures within the police force regarding the handling of serious allegations.