The Metropolitan Police has apologized to Caroline Flack’s family for not keeping a record of why she was charged with assault.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigated the response to accusations from the deceased television host’s mother.
The investigation “did not uncover any improper activity” in the Met’s decision.
Ms. Flack committed suicide in February 2020 while facing charges of beating her boyfriend.
The 40-year-old was famous for hosting Love Island and the Xtra Factor and winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.
She was set to appear in court for allegedly assaulting her then-boyfriend Lewis Burton before her 2020 death.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) recommended that she be cautioned.
However, the Met Police of London contested the CPS’s judgment, resulting in her being charged with assault by beating.
After hearing that Ms. Flack’s mental health had deteriorated after her arrest, an inquest concluded that she committed herself.
Her mother Christine Flack objected to the decision to charge her, stating that her daughter was treated differently because of her fame, but a senior police officer testified at the inquest that there was no bias involved.
A Met Police representative stated: “The investigation did not uncover any instances of misconduct. But it concluded that an officer should receive reflective practice. This relates to the necessity to analyze all case materials and document a balanced explanation. Indicating objective decision-making by examining aggravating and mitigating circumstances while appealing a CPS decision.
The IOPC also requested that the Met apologize to Ms. Flack’s family for failing to maintain a record of the reasons for appealing the CPS’s decision.
“We have taken this action and acknowledged the effect it has had on them”.
We are awaiting word on whether the IOPC will make any organizational learning suggestions.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Ms. Flack’s family as they mourn her passing.
Ms. Flack’s mother told the Eastern Daily Press when the Met Police apologized, “They have apologized for how they handled my complaint, but they should apologize for how Carrie was treated.”
The Eastern Daily Press also reported that Andy Carter, chief superintendent of the Metropolitan Police, told her that several procedures have been implemented to improve how officers appeal CPS rulings.
