Altering Rape Records

The Metropolitan Police are investigating 63 sex crime investigations after a detective on their specialist rape inquiry team had been arrested for suspicion of altering rape records. The detective constable, from Sapphire sex crime unit, was held on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Some of these cases have potential for unsafe convictions, although none have been identified. None of the cases under investigation have apparently been discontinued without proper investigation. The suspicion is that the officer cut corners or made decisions about whether anyone should be charged without proper consultation with prosecutors and senior officers. Scotland Yard said in a statement 'Any suggestion that an investigation is not up to the high standard expected will be fully investigated and any officer involved in potential failings dealt with robustly.' The officer, who has not been named, was held in custody while 2 private addresses were searched. He was suspended in March while five cases were examined, but the police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will take over the expanded inquiry after further "significant Developments" came to light. The IPCC is also carrying out a wider review following complaints about Sapphire officers in the London borough of Southwark. HS&Co have defended many suspects investigated by Sapphire officers in recent years.