Sir Stephen House, who previously served as the Metropolitan Police's Acting Commissioner, will not face any disciplinary action concerning comments he made about the handling of rape allegations. This decision was confirmed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which assessed the matter following a referral from the Met Police itself.
The comments in question were made by Sir Stephen in 2021 during a public appearance. He suggested that a significant proportion of reported rape allegations were not genuine, stating that around half of all allegations were withdrawn or did not proceed to prosecution. These remarks drew considerable criticism at the time, with many victim support groups and public figures expressing concern over the potential impact on victims' willingness to come forward.
The referral to the IOPC came as part of a wider effort by the Metropolitan Police to address public trust and internal conduct issues, particularly in the wake of high-profile scandals. The force has been under intense scrutiny regarding its culture and its approach to serious crimes, including sexual offences. The assessment by the IOPC involved reviewing the context of Sir Stephen's statements and their potential implications for public confidence in the police's handling of such sensitive cases.
Sir Stephen House served as Acting Commissioner for a period following the resignation of Dame Cressida Dick, before the appointment of the current Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley. His tenure was marked by ongoing challenges for the force, including pressure to improve its response to violence against women and girls. The IOPC's decision means that, from a formal disciplinary perspective, his comments are not deemed to have crossed the threshold for further action.
While the IOPC's decision concludes the formal investigation into Sir Stephen's comments, the broader conversation around police attitudes towards sexual assault and the support for victims continues to be a critical issue. Advocacy groups consistently call for greater sensitivity and improved training within police forces to ensure that all allegations of sexual violence are treated with the utmost seriousness and professionalism, irrespective of their eventual outcome in the justice system.