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File of evidence being sent to CPS following conclusion of Stephen Lawrence corruption investigation

Factual summary of a published IOPC investigation, covering the incident, key findings and outcome.

All IOPC reports
Published
2020-11-03
Investigation type
managed
Force involved
Metropolitan Police Service

What was investigated

An IOPC investigation into whether corruption played a part in the original investigation into the murder of Stephen Lawrence is complete. A file of evidence will be provided to the CPS to consider charges against individuals involved.

Key findings

  • There is an indication that four former officers may have committed misconduct in public office.
  • The investigation involved over 150 interviews and several million pages of evidence.
  • The investigation lasted for six years under the NCA's direction.
  • A former officer was cleared of corruption in early 2019.
  • Four former officers were referred for their handling of the investigation.
  • The investigation assessed actions and omissions before the arrests of key suspects.
  • The investigations were prompted by a referral from the MPS in 2014.
  • The referral to the CPS does not guarantee criminal charges.

Outcome

The IOPC will provide a full file of evidence to the CPS. It will be up to the CPS to decide if charges should follow.

Read the full report on policeconduct.gov.uk

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Reviewed by the BlueLineHub Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 13 July 2026 · Next review due: 13 January 2027

This is a factual summary of a report published by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Individuals are referred to exactly as the source report anonymises them. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the IOPC · Summarised 2026-07-13.