IPCC to investigate MPS officers linked to Operation Midland

The Independent Police Complaints Commission will investigate the conduct of officers linked to the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Midland. One of those officers will also be investigated regarding his involvement in Operation Vicente, an investigation into allegations made about the late Leon Brittan.

The allegations referred to the IPCC, following an independent review by Sir Richard Henriques, are:

• A deputy assistant commissioner (DAC), a detective superintendent (DSupt), and a detective chief inspector (DCI) are alleged to have failed to properly investigate allegations made by a complainant ‘Nick’ which lead to an extended investigation causing prolonged and undue stress to those under suspicion
• The DAC, DSupt, DCI, and a detective inspector and detective sergeant are alleged to have failed to present all relevant information to a district judge when applying for search warrants and there are alleged to be irregularities in the seizure of exhibits from searched properties
• The DAC is alleged to have reviewed and reinvestigated allegations against Leon Brittan, which had previously been closed, without new grounds to do so.

IPCC deputy chair Rachel Cerfontyne said:

“I have decided the allegations about the conduct of these officers should be subject to an independent investigation by the IPCC. We have requested a schedule of the documentation Sir Richard Henriques considered in writing his report. While Sir Richard drew his own conclusions, the IPCC will conduct its own investigation into the conduct of these officers and reach its own findings.

“Sir Richard’s report made a number of significant recommendations to the MPS and to the police service more generally. Those recommendations are for others to consider including the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs' Council and are outside our remit. However, I am keen to ensure that my decision to undertake an independent investigation does not cause any delay to these vital considerations, given their potential impact on public confidence in this area of policing and I will be liaising with relevant bodies to make certain that the scope of the IPCC investigation is fully understood.”

Full terms of reference for the investigation are still under consideration.

The investigation will be undertaken by the IPCC Directorate of Major Investigations.