MPS to apologise for failings in Richard Okorogheye investigation
Factual summary of a published IOPC investigation, covering the incident, key findings and outcome.
- Published
- 2022-07-06
- Investigation type
- independent
- Force involved
- Metropolitan Police Service
What was investigated
The investigation focused on the handling of initial reports concerning a missing person, Richard Okorogheye, after complaints from his family about the police response. It identified failings in the service provided to the family during this critical time.
Key findings
- Three police officers and three call handlers fell below expected standards.
- Richard was not classified as a missing person in a timely manner.
- Medical information concerning Richard’s condition was inaccurately recorded.
- Call handlers failed to update relevant teams with accurate information.
- An inspector did not properly assess the risks related to Richard's condition.
- Concerns raised by Richard’s GP were not included in the missing person report.
- Racial bias was explored but not substantiated in findings.
- Deficiencies in the MPS response were acknowledged.
Outcome
The officers involved will undergo reflective practice, but their actions did not meet the threshold for disciplinary action. The MPS has agreed to improve their practices following the investigation.
Related on BlueLineHub
- Accountability hub — how oversight of UK policing works
- IOPC outcomes & learning feed
- Metropolitan Police Service force profile
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.