Final Report of the Morris Inquiry: The Case for Change

LESSONS FOR THE FUTURE
has been made by the SIO to justify a change of stance when in fact the evidence against him
was no stronger. Superintendent Dizaei makes reference to his arrest in his submission to the
Inquiry … and the review considers that with regard to the manner in which he was treated,
it appears that in the circumstances it was unfair and the element of race cannot be excluded.”
(Extracts from independent investigators’ report.)
10.72 It is clear to us that an investigation such as this, which lacks strategic
direction in the manner we have identified and does not have a full paper audit trail
for the rationale behind decisions, lays itself open to such allegations being made.
10.73 The review conducted by our independent investigators was, however, not
a full case review. In relation to the issue of discrimination on the grounds of
Superintendent Dizaei’s race, although the evidence is inconclusive, the issue clearly
remains live and it should be looked at in the full case review we are recommending.
10.74 The MPS has commented that it is concerned that the “relatively brief nature of
the independent investigators’ review of Operation Helios provides insufficient basis for the
very severe criticisms made of it.” The two investigators, who carried out this review,
are both experienced former senior police officers and looked at sufficient original
material to focus on key issues. We are satisfied that their work was both
professional and objective. But, in our view, the comment of the MPS only serves to
strengthen the argument for a full case review. Nothing less can do justice to
everyone concerned.
We therefore recommend a full case review of Operation Helios which is
independent of the MPS. The review should include examining the issue of
race discrimination.
Lessons to be learnt
10.75 We consider that the MPS needs to learn lessons from our analysis of
Superintendent Dizaei’s case in relation to the following areas:
● case management;
● settlement agreements;
● the use of Gold Groups;
● the use of policy files;
● the use of lay advisors; and
● the issuing of press statements.
10.76 We hope that the recommendations that follow will enable it to do so.
● We advocate urgent adoption by DPS of our earlier recommendation that
investigations by DPS should be run in accordance with the
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