Correspondence

Letter from the Home Secretary to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service

Updated 7 October 2019

Cressida Dick CBE QPM
Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis
New Scotland Yard
Victoria Embankment
SW1A 2JL

3 October 2019

Dear Cressida,

Following up on Sir Richard Henriques’ review into the Metropolitan Police’s handling of allegations of non-recent sexual offences

I am grateful for the steps you are taking to publish Sir Richard’s Independent Review of the Metropolitan Police Service’s handling of non-recent sexual offence investigations alleged against persons of public prominence to ensure that there is full transparency around the failings identified by Henriques that had such a distressing impact on those falsely accused.

I recognise that the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has acted on many of Sir Richard’s recommendations. Nonetheless I feel that it is imperative that the public receive independent assurance that the MPS has learned from the lessons identified in Sir Richard’s report and have made – and continue to make – necessary improvements.

To provide this assurance, I will be writing shorty to HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), tasking him with inspecting the MPS as soon as practicable. The purpose of this inspection is to consider the MPS’ progress in learning from the points made by Sir Richard’s report and embedding changes. I would also like the inspection to take into account any learning recommendations made by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in their forthcoming investigation report on Operation Kentia. I would be grateful if your team could liaise with my officials and HMICFRS on scoping this inspection.

I have copied this letter to the Deputy Commissioner and Mayor of London.

Rt Hon Priti Patel MP