Fleetwood MP calls for more to be done to protect women from rogue police officers

The Fleetwood MP has called for more to be done to protect women from rogue police officers.

Cat Smith was speaking in parliament, after a Metropolitan Police officer was revealed as one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders.

PC David Carrick admitted dozens of rapes and sexual offences following attacks on 12 women, and  entered guilty pleas when he appeared at London's Southwark Crown Court on Monday.

He admitted 49 charges - including 24 rape counts - for crimes committed over an 18-year period.

Addressing the Home Secretary, Ms Smith said: ‘’It’s exhausting the number of times in this house we have to talk about this issue.

‘’Women in Lancashire have seen what’s in the newspapers about David Carrick and Wayne Cousens, and other cases, and they want to know why there is no legal requirement for vetting when officers move between forces.

‘’We’re talking about the Met today, but we could equally be talking about Lancashire Constabulary.

‘’So Home Secretary, I’d like to know what plans are in place to legally require vetting when officers move between forces to stop these perpetrators moving around the country to avoid justice?’’

In response, Rt Hon Suella Braverman said: ‘’We need to make sure the right system is in place to properly identify inappropriate candidates.

‘’Thus far, there are inappropriate processes, and so people who aren’t right are falling through the gaps. That needs to change.

‘’’That’s why I’m glad the Met Commissioner has committed to instilling an Anti Corruption and Abuse Command Unit, to look at how people are inappropriately getting into the police force.

‘We will take further action to lol at the disciplinary process, and the reports that’s are currently running their course need to conclude so we have an evidence base to take the appropriate action, in legislation if necessary.’’

Downing Street said Carrick's crimes were "appalling" and urged forces to root out criminal officers "to restore the public's trust which has been shattered".

Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the force had "failed" and Carrick "should not have been a police officer".

The force has apologised after it emerged Carrick came to the attention of officers over nine previous incidents, including claims of rape and domestic violence - but faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings over those allegations.