Detectives disciplined over 'insensitive' rape inquiries

THREE Met detectives have been disciplined over their handling of two rape inquiries where they advised victims it was not worth reporting the crime.

The officers were all members of the force's Sapphire unit, which specialises in investigating sex offences.

The detective constables, two of them trainees, dealt with the women in "an unprofessional and insensitive manner", the Independent Police Complaints Commission said today.

It included giving the victims negative information about the likelihood of a successful prosecution and inaccurate details of how a specialist medical examination would be conducted.

One of the trainees even added comments to one victim's original rape statements without her permission.

Gross misconduct allegations against him were proven last month and he had a final written warning. The other officers admitted the allegations and were given written warnings, said the IPCC.

Deborah Glass, its Commissioner for London, said: "Victims of sexual violence should be treated with sensitivity, respect and professionalism.

"This plainly did not happen the first time the two women made their allegations. It is hugely disappointing that a small number of officers behaved this way. They have now been disciplined.

"While systems and processes have changed significantly since these events, they can still be undermined by the actions of individuals. Public confidence would be far better served if the police got it right first time."

Victim Miss B said in a statement: "I want other victims to know there are police officers who will listen. Do not be discouraged from coming forward by an initial bad experience."