Prevent replication of Abelard Two management failures
It is recommended that the Metropolitan Police introduce systems to ensure that the management arrangements which applied during the Abelard Two Investigation can never be replicated in any future investigation, and that proper management arrangements, in compliance with the Association of Chief Police Officers' Murder Manual, exist on all occasions.
How was this assessed?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe MPS has given assurances that the management arrangements during this particular investigation (Abelard Two) would not happen under current structures and have updated the relevant conflict of interest declaration and policy. The new National Major Crime Investigation Manual (MCIM) published in November 2021 covers all aspects of major crime investigation and sets the standard for all forces alongside the relevant Authorised Professional Practice (APP) produced by the College of Policing. The MCIM now clearly sets out guidance that the role of Senior Investigating Officer and Family Liaison Officer are distinct with their own individual strategies. The manual sets out how major crime investigations should be strategically managed including the importance of adopting a professionally curious mindset, testing investigative hypotheses, and the use of the National Decision Model in decision making. The MCIM is now embedded in practice across all police forces.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
The National Major Crime Investigation Manual (MCIM) published November 2021 sets out guidance ensuring SIO and FLO roles are distinct with separate strategies. The manual covers strategic management of major crime investigations including professionally curious mindset and use of the National Decision Model. The MPS updated its conflict of interest declaration and policy.
View detailed findings
Management arrangements reformed through the MCIM (November 2021) and updated MPS policies. The specific failures of the Abelard Two investigation could not be replicated under current structures.