Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap, the Met Police’s lead on violence against women and girls, has praised the first National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) report as a significant step in addressing this critical issue. “We want to make London a safe city for women and girls,” she said. Every day, officers are arresting predatory men and using advanced technology and specialist tactics to bring offenders to justice.
Millichap emphasised the Met’s commitment to tackling corruption within its own ranks. “Identifying and bringing to justice those in the Met who corrupt our integrity by committing abuses against women and girls is vital to rebuilding trust,” she stated. The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Offences (DASO) Unit now investigates allegations against serving officers and staff, with a strong focus on victim care.
Additionally, a new Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command has been established to apply high-level investigative skills to uncover wrongdoing within the force. The Met also launched the first-ever public Police Integrity Hotline through Crimestoppers, making it easier for the public to report suspect officers, with plans to expand this initiative nationwide.
The NPCC report, covering the period from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, reveals nationally there were 1,177 cases involving 1,483 allegations of police-perpetrated violence against women and girls. London’s Met Police accounted for 241 cases with 287 allegations. Alarmingly, in the following six months (September 2022 to February 2023), the Met received 268 new allegations.
Millichap urged both the public and officers to come forward via the hotline or direct reports to ensure accountability.
Regarding internal versus public reporting, the data shows that nationally there were 653 internal conduct cases and 524 public complaint cases, involving 0.7% of the police workforce. The Met recorded 213 internal cases and 28 public complaints for the same period, representing 0.5% of staff. From September 2022 to February 2023, the Met reported 183 internal cases and 28 public complaints, maintaining the 0.5% figure.
The Met’s Project Onyx is conducting a historic review, having audited nearly 1,100 officers and staff with past domestic or sexual misconduct allegations over the last decade. While most cases were closed with warnings or no further action, the Met is reviewing them to identify any missed disciplinary or criminal cases. “If we uncover any cases requiring further action, immediate suspension or restrictions will be considered,” Millichap vowed. The project will also reassess risk management and vetting procedures to strengthen safeguards.
Looking ahead, Millichap announced a refreshed Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan due this spring, aimed at building on progress and incorporating feedback. “Women and girls must feel safe, listened to, and supported with respect and dignity,” she said. “We’re committed to working in partnership and rebuilding confidence.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
