Written question asked by Jacqui Lait (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 March 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 13 March 1998. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Friday, 13 March 1998 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on how many occasions in respect of the evidence of how many Metropolitan police officers the prosecution has been required to disclose that evidence given by that officer had previously been discredited. - Inc fact that no central figures are kept.

Answer: Mrs. Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions in respect of the evidence of how many Metropolitan police officers the prosecution has been required to disclose that evidence given by that officer had previously been discredited. [34273] Mr. Michael: The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police tells me that no central figures are kept on the number of cases where the prosecution has had to disclose that the evidence of an officer has on a previous occasion been discredited. Nevertheless, the Commissioner demands absolute integrity from his officers. If an officer gives evidence which raises concern with the trial magistrate or judge then they will direct that the matter be investigated. The procedure is for an internal investigation to be started. If, following such an investigation, the officer can be shown to be discredited then any cases in which the office is subsequently involved would be reviewed by the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 34273; 308 c368W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Complaints Disclosure of information Evidence Police Metropolitan Police