Historic abuse claim policy/PACE/report by Sir Richard Henriques

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.024038

I note you seek access to the following information:

The reports: Op Kentia, Op Lanimar just prompt two simple questions from me.

1. Please may I see a copy of (or details of) what a standard 'letter drop' to find potential complainants contains is.

2. Does the 28 day update on investigations not count if a case is with the CPS?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1- Please may I see a copy of (or details of) what a standard 'letter drop' to find potential complainants contains is.

I have provided the text from the Non-Recent Child Abuse Investigation letter drop template below. Please note that this template will be tailored by the investigating officer depending upon their investigation.

“Dear,

I am a Detective Constable with the Metropolitan Police and I am currently investigating a non-recent case. Someone with your name and approximate age has been identified as a potential witness in this case. I would be grateful if you contact me as soon as possible so that I may discuss this case with you to ascertain if you are the correct *******. I apologise for being so vague but it would inappropriate to disclose any details at this stage until I have ascertained that you are the correct person.

I have added my telephone number and email address for your convenience.

I look forward to hearing from you

Yours sincerely,

DC/DS *******”

Q2 - Does the 28 day update on investigations not count if a case is with the CPS?

I have provided the relevant section to the Met’s General Investigation Policy below. The policy explains that suspects should be updated every 28 days. This includes when a case is with the CPS.

“19.2 When a suspect is bailed, Released Under Investigation (RUI) or subject to Voluntary Attendance (VA) the officer in the case (OIC) must provide an ‘Expected Finish Date’ (EFD) this is to enable to the OIC to continue with any outstanding enquiries and to provide realistic timescales. This should be realistic but not excessive (Consider Statutory Time Limits).

19.3 Any EFD in excess of 3 months should be carefully considered and should only be proposed where there is a clear reason why enquiries could not be completed within a shorter period.

19.4 During an investigation the OIC MUST provide an update to the suspect(s) every 28 days as to the progress, this may include any delays that have been experienced. It is also important that any update does not compromise the investigation or the safety of any victims and witnesses. The 28 day update may include any changes to the EFD.”