A police watchdog is investigating alleged feedback made by a senior officer concerning the “bulk” of rape complaints being “regretful sex”.
Sir Stephen House denies making the remarks to a Home Office adviser at a gathering at Scotland Yard in January final 12 months, when he held the place of deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is wanting into the accusation, which was raised earlier this month.
The watchdog’s regional director Mel Palmer mentioned: “The allegation that these comments were made by a very senior police officer is of significant public concern, which may impact on public confidence in policing and so it is important that they are subject to an independent investigation.”
In a press release, Sir Stephen has mentioned he can “categorically deny using the phrase ‘regretful sex'”.
He informed Channel 4 News earlier this month: “These are not words I have ever used in relation to rape or sexual assault and the reason I am so certain that I did not say this is because I simply do not believe it. I find the phrase abhorrent.
“I discover this characterisation of me to be deeply upsetting, and colleagues who know me know the way unfaithful it’s.”
Professor Betsy Stanko, an adviser appointed by the Home Office to conduct Operation Soteria – a report on the way the police responds to rape cases – said that Sir Stephen was not taking the problem seriously when he allegedly made the comments.
She told Channel 4 News: “He used phrases to explain – or a time period to explain – what he thought the majority of the rape complaints had been, which was the time period ‘regretful intercourse’.”
Findings from Operation Soteria declared some officers “displayed a culture of disbelieving victims”.
When referring the matter to the IPOC earlier this month, Deputy Commissioner Dame Lynne Owens mentioned: “Rape is a horrific offence that has a devastating and lasting impact. The comments included in the Operation Soteria Bluestone report are wholly unacceptable.
“We recognise that they threat additional undermining the boldness of victims to return ahead and that’s deeply regrettable.”
Sir Stephen has now resigned as a police officer and is employed by the Met as a civilian worker.
He additionally beforehand held the place of chief constable of Police Scotland, incomes a knighthood within the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2013.
Source: information.sky.com”
