Watchdog probes senior police officer over alleged ‘regret sex’ rape comments
A police watchdog is investigating allegations by a senior official that the “mass” of rape complaints was “regrettable sex.”
Sir Stephen House denies making the comments to a Home Office adviser at a Scotland Yard meeting in January 2022 – when he was Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the allegation, which was made earlier this month.
IOPC Regional Director Mel Palmer said: “The allegation that these comments were made by a very senior police officer is of significant public concern, which can impact public trust in the police force and it is therefore important that they are one subject to independent investigation.”
Sir Stephen and the Met have been informed of the decision to inquire.
Professor Betsy Stanko, a Home Office-appointed adviser to run Operation Soteria – a report on how police respond to rape cases, told Channel 4 News that Sir Stephen made the comments at a meeting with senior officials.
She said: “It felt like he was trying to minimize the problem and not take it seriously.
“He used terms to describe – or a term to describe – what he believed to be the bulk of rape complaints, which was the term ‘unfortunate sex.'”
Met Deputy Police Commissioner Dame Lynne Owens, who referred the matter to IPOC earlier this month, said: “Rape is a terrible crime that has devastating and lasting effects. The comments contained in the Operation Soteria Bluestone report are totally unacceptable.
“We recognize they risk further undermining victims’ confidence to come forward and that is deeply unfortunate.”
The results of Operation Soteria explained that some officials “displayed a culture of incredulous sacrifice.”
In a statement to Channel 4 News earlier this month, Sir Stephen, a former Chief Constable of Police Scotland, said: “I have dedicated over four decades in public service to protecting the public from predatory criminals.
“I categorically refuse to use the term ‘unfortunate sex.’
“These are not words I’ve ever used in relation to rape or sexual assault and the reason I’m so sure I didn’t say that is because I just don’t believe it. I find the sentence disgusting.
“I find this characterization of me deeply upsetting, and colleagues who know me know how wrong it is.”
