When offences like David Carrick’s come to light, we can see why women don’t trust the police

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Today is another dark day for victims and the wider public, to learn that yet another serving Metropolitan Police officer has had the freedom to use his power to commit serious violence against women. There has been an abject failure on the part of the Metropolitan Police – those who we expect to keep us safe – to identify this prolific offender within their own ranks over the span of two decades, and this will undoubtedly impact the confidence of victims, especially of women, reporting to the police. I am appalled to also learn that more than 1,000 currently serving Metropolitan Police officers and staff have previously been subject to serious allegations, and while I welcome the Metropolitan Police’s decision to review all of these, there is no room to diminish or overlook victims’ experiences. This shows an urgent need for reform and more robust regulation, as it is clear the Metropolitan Police are unable to impartially assess, investigate, and remove officers who fail victims and the wider public.