By Charlotte Webster-
The Metropolitan Police is under intense scrutiny as eight current and former officers face investigation for gross misconduct in connection with the handling of the Stephen Port murders.
Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth, and Jack Taylor fell victim to the serial killer between June 2014 and September 2015, prompting a long-overdue review of police conduct in the case.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) disclosed on Thursday that the officers are being investigated for possible breaches of police professional standards, including issues related to equality and diversity, duties and responsibilities, authority respect and courtesy, and honesty and integrity.
IOPC regional director Steve Noonan acknowledged the complexity of the case, involving multiple officers and four investigations into unexplained deaths and the subsequent murder investigation into Port.
Noonan stated, “Though we have found an indication that the behavior of these eight individuals may have amounted to gross misconduct, this does not necessarily mean disciplinary proceedings will automatically follow.
Based on the evidence, at the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings.”
Metropolitan Police Commander Jon Savell responded to the IOPC update, expressing deep regret for the police response failings. “The whole of the Met is committed to improving our investigations, our relationships, and the trust people have in us to keep them safe,” Savell stated.
Since the deaths of the victims, the Met Police has worked to enhance its services while acknowledging that there is still more to be done.
The reopening of the investigation has been cautiously welcomed by solicitor Neil Hudgell, speaking on behalf of the families of the four men. Hudgell stated that the development is testament to the families’ determination and perseverance in seeking justice.
The case of Stephen Port(pictured) exposed fundamental failures in the police response, allowing the serial killer to carry out a series of murders, drug and sexually assault more than a dozen other men.
Inquest jurors found that these “fundamental failures” likely contributed to the deaths of three of the victims. Families of three victims received payouts from the Met Police after settling civil claims, highlighting the systemic issues that plagued the investigation.
The families of the victims, who have already endured profound loss, are now looking to the investigation for answers and justice, hoping that the reopening of the case will lead to a thorough examination of the systemic failures that allowed Stephen Port to perpetrate his heinous crimes.