Operation Kentia learning recommendations drive changes to search warrants
Factual summary of a published IOPC investigation, covering the incident, key findings and outcome.
- Published
- 2020-03-05
- Investigation type
- independent
- Force involved
- Metropolitan Police Service
What was investigated
Operation Kentia investigated police conduct around applications for search warrants made by the MPS as part of Operation Midland. The investigation found no evidence that police officers had deliberately misled a district court judge, but found gaps in processes and systems.
Key findings
- No evidence of deliberate misleading by police officers.
- Gaps in processes and systems identified.
- 16 recommendations made for improvements.
- 13 out of 16 recommendations accepted by the MPS.
- National changes to application and checking of search warrants.
- Significant changes to policy and practices within the MPS.
- Better training for police officers on search powers.
- Recommendations for the Ministry of Justice to consider audio recording of hearings.
Outcome
The investigation led to improved training and understanding of search powers among police officers. The MPS accepted most recommendations, indicating a commitment to reform.
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.