David Carrick is one of the worst sex offenders in modern criminal history, responsible for 85 crimes against 12 women, whom he terrorised through violence, abuse, coercion and humiliation. But the deeper horror of the case of the Met police officer, sacked on Tuesday, is not its singularity but the chilling fact that this is familiar terrain. The force is now investigating claims of domestic and sexual abuse against 800 officers. This is only the latest in a litany of scandals exposing misogyny, racism and homophobia, and raising questions about its ability to protect the public.
Carrick’s position – particularly following his promotion to the parliamentary and diplomatic protection command, an elite armed unit – was not incidental to his crimes, but enabled them: he traded on his status to silence his victims. It is remarkable, as well as admirably brave, that one persisted. His recruitment and promotion also ring alarm bells about the vetting procedure. One incident took place before he joined, another during his probation period.
