Police and Crime Commissioner statement condemning actions of former Met officer David Carrick

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin, has released a statement condemning former Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick who has pleaded guilty to a number of rapes and sexual offences.

In the statement, Mr Dunbobbin expressed his sympathy for the victims and their families and acknowledges the strength and courage it took for them to come forward.

The Police and Crime Commissioner emphasised that the vast majority of police officers perform their duties with professionalism and integrity, but acknowledges the importance of preventing individuals like Carrick from joining the force in the first place.

He said: “Every day across England and Wales, the vast majority of decent, hard-working police officers perform their duties with the utmost professionalism. I know that they will share my sadness and anger that a police officer could be responsible for such sickening crimes.”

“Carrick should never have been a police officer. It is vitally important that processes are in place to stop such people joining the police in the first place.”

“That is why my proposed budget for the next year (written before this case came to light) includes additional funding for the North Wales Police Vetting Unit.”

Mr Dunbobbin said: “This comes on the back of investment I authorised earlier this year that saw two additional police officers for the Professional Standards Department, to support the drive for the highest organisational standards.”

“As Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales it would be easy for me to dismiss this horrific incident as an issue in the Met.  I won’t do that.  That would be unfair on victims and survivors living in North Wales.  I am determined to deliver an effective and efficient police service for all of our communities.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner met with the Chief Constable to discuss the incident and has asked for a report detailing any challenges in North Wales Police.

Mr Dunbobbin plans to share the report with the North Wales Police and Crime Panel and will publish as much of it as possible in the interest of transparency and public accountability.

Mr Dunbobbin reiterated the importance of public trust in policing, he said:

“The British model of policing by consent simply cannot operate without that trust and confidence.”

“The Chief Constable and I are resolute in our determination to root out any police officer or member of staff who does not uphold the standards expected of them and they will be held to account.”

“I would also like to reassure all victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence that they can have confidence to report such matters either to North Wales Police or through the support agencies below.”

David Carrick appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, 16 January, he entered guilty pleas to false imprisonment, indecent assault and four counts of rape.

At a previous hearing at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 13 December he pleaded guilty to 43 offences including 20 counts of rape, and further counts of controlling and coercive behaviour and sexual assault.

He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at a hearing to take place at Southwark Crown Court beginning on Monday, 6 February.

Mr Dunbobbin said: I would also like to reassure all victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence that they can have confidence to report such matters either to North Wales Police or through the support agencies below.