A Detective Constable who was raped by a fellow officer has publicly stated that the Metropolitan Police's handling of her case felt like "being raped all over again." Det Con Linda Williams was attacked in 2004 by PC David Carrick, who was subsequently jailed for life in 2023 for multiple sexual offenses against her and eleven other women.

Williams sought damages from the Met Police, alleging a failure to protect her from Carrick's predatory behavior. She described the protracted legal process as deeply damaging, leading to feelings of suicidal ideation. The detective is now calling for the resignation of Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, asserting that he has not sufficiently reformed police culture as he had pledged.

Her comments come as the Metropolitan Police faces ongoing scrutiny over its vetting procedures and its ability to address systemic issues of misconduct and violence against women within its ranks. The force has been under particular pressure to demonstrate genuine change following high-profile cases of officer misconduct.

Williams's ordeal highlights the severe personal toll that such crimes and the subsequent institutional response can inflict on victims. Her demand for accountability from the force's highest leadership underscores a growing impatience with the pace of cultural reform within policing.

Sir Mark Rowley took over as Met Commissioner in September 2022 with a mandate to tackle these critical issues. He has publicly acknowledged the need for significant change and has outlined various initiatives aimed at improving standards and public trust. However, Williams's experience suggests that these efforts have yet to translate into tangible improvements for those who have suffered harm.

The Metropolitan Police Service has not yet issued a formal response to Williams's latest statements. The case of David Carrick, a former officer who committed the rapes and other sexual offenses over two decades, has led to an independent review of the Met’s vetting practices and internal conduct.

This incident and Williams's public denunciation add further pressure on the Met and its leadership to address deep-seated cultural problems. The effectiveness of current reform strategies and the commitment of senior officers to fostering a safer environment for both the public and officers themselves remain critical questions.

Experts in policing and gender-based violence have frequently pointed to the need for robust accountability mechanisms and a cultural shift that prioritizes victim support and zero tolerance for misconduct. Williams's call for Sir Mark Rowley's resignation signals that, for some, the current pace and depth of these changes are insufficient.