Prevent replication of Abelard Two management failures

2.1.4. There were clear issues with the management structures throughout the investigations. This was most clearly seen with former DCS David Cook acting as the senior investigating officer and the family liaison officer (FLO) simultaneously. This limited his capacity to deal effectively with the matters for which he was responsible in either role. The MPS has given assurances that the management arrangements during this particular investigation (Abelard Two) would not happen under current structures and have updated the relevant conflict of interest declaration and policy . Although recent cases, such as that of Stephen Port, recently demonstrated limitations in training for MPS FLOs. We expect the MPS to ensure that all future FLO candidates, and those currently in the role, are appropriately screened as HMICFRS recently recommended.

- Detailed review of current management structures for Senior Investigating officers (SIOs) complete.
- All SIOs deployed & managed within policy.
- The MPS Specialist Crime Command has a well-established investigative response structure, in line with national policy and guidance. Clear governance framework with independent oversight.
- The national Major Crime Investigation Manual (MCIM) and Major Incident Room Standardised Administrative Procedure (MIRSAP) provides clear guidance on the governance and scrutiny of the SIO role.
- Review of corporate guidance & Homicide Directorate policy resulting in amendments regarding conflict of interest and retired officers.

The MPS accepted this recommendation.
A review of 547 homicide investigations (2018-2021) was conducted and all were led by one of our 135 specially trained SIO’s. None were outside MPS employment (i.e. on a consultancy basis or secondment).
New guidance and amendments to existing guidance has been developed and implemented to cover the explicit need for a declarable association check during the investigation review processes.
In the exceptional circumstances that a conflict is identified, then the steps the SIO take to identify conflicts of interest and address potential impartiality issues, should be explained to the family. Any concerns a family may hold relating to potential conflicts they perceive will also be discussed at this stage. In dealing with concerns raised by families, the aim will always be to take reasonable steps to secure and retain their assistance, confidence and support.
The new guidance will be implemented within homicide investigations and there will be a requirement for a conflict of interest check to be conducted during the investigation review processes by SIOs. The implementation will stipulate supervisors consider any declarable association policy issues during initial allocation and ongoing supervision (including 28 day review) of homicide investigations. Murder Investigation managers will specifically consider declarable association policy issues on seven day review and subsequent reviews of live investigations.
Specialist Crime Review Group (SCRG)/Cold Case will continue to check that SCRG officers have not been involved as a SIO in a review they are assigned to. The SCRG make recommendations that a homicide investigation should be reopened and allocation is then determined by either the Specialist Crime Command, Senior Leadership Team or in a cold case by the Specialist Casework Team, Senior Leadership Team.
If an officer or member of staff previously had a key role in an investigation (e.g. SIO/Disclosure) the potential for a conflict of interest will be considered by the Gold Group (or senior chief officer) during the review process and any decisions clearly recorded. This conflict of interest must include consideration of the victim’s family.
Officer/staff obligation: All staff have been reminded of their obligation to self-declare if they are involved in an investigation and believe there is a conflict of interest.
Use of Retired SIO: Guidance has been developed to ensure a process is in place to allow consideration by the Gold Group or SIO regarding the use of retired SIO’s particularly in an advisory/ expert role. The rationale for the appointment of a retired SIO to an investigation will be clearly rationalised and recorded in the SIO policy or Gold Group records.
The research and policy and guidance change is complete and the delivery plan to ensure the practice is fully embedded shall be implemented within a stipulated timeframe in 2022- 2023 with appropriate governance and oversight.
Current status: Complete