Met Police abuse hotline ‘flooded with 700 calls in a single day’
A Met Police abuse complaints hotline has received 700 calls in a single day about alleged sex and domestic violence committed by officers.
It comes after serving Met cop David Carrick was revealed to be a serial rapist who attacked 12 women 24 times.
Other police forces have also received similar complaints with a source telling The Sun ‘there’s likely to be well over 1,000 in total’.
The hotline is managed by independent charity Crimestoppers whose staff answer calls and take information down to ensure the anonymity of callers.
Carrick abused his police powers to target his victims, showing them his warrant card and saying: ‘I’m a police officer, you’re safe with me.’
He came to the police’s attention nine times for allegations including rape but kept his job.
Former Met DCI Mick Neville told The Sun he predicts this case, and the hotline set up, will lead to more victims coming forward.
He said: ‘The conviction of PC David Carrick looks like being a MeToo moment for the police.
‘No doubt other victims will come forward and expose those who abuse their power.
‘They can see police officers are not above the law.’
The Met hotline was launched in November and has since been inundated with complaints.
The force’s leaders are worried about strain on resources and how to assess whether investigations are required.
It puts new Met chief Mark Rowley’s leadership to the test – he’s only been in the role four months since taking over from Cressida Dick.
According to a source who talked to The Sun, only 10 of the reported complaints are being referred for further action at this time.
Scotland Yard confirmed Home Office rules mean it is unlikely Carrick will be stripped of his final-salary pension.
London mayor Sadiq Khan is pursuing a forfeiture action, which is also backed by home secretary Suella Braverman.
Carrick is due to be sentenced next month.
The Metropolitan Police has been contacted for comment by Metro.co.uk.
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