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Following the IOPC’s publication of this media release today, the following statement has been issued in response:

Steve Rodhouse: Response to IOPC finding of no case to answer

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed today that it has reversed its earlier decision that a former senior Metropolitan Police Officer had a case to answer for gross misconduct.

The IOPC investigated former Deputy Assistant Commissioner Steve Rodhouse following complaints about the Metropolitan Police Service’s failure to investigate two individuals who are alleged to have made false allegations during Operation Midland, an MPS investigation into allegations of non-recent sexual abuse.

In a statement released today, the IOPC has confirmed that former DAC Rodhouse does not have a case to answer for gross misconduct and that the IOPC has withdrawn its direction to bring proceedings.

In response, former DAC Steve Rodhouse said: 

“I am pleased that the IOPC has finally recognised that I acted with honesty, integrity and care throughout a difficult investigation. I welcome the IOPC’s apology, but I have yet to receive an adequate explanation as to how this debacle occurred.

“I recognise that senior police officers must be held accountable for their actions, and that public complaints must be properly considered. However, if police officers are to willingly take on complex and challenging investigations, they must have the confidence that any complaints made about their conduct will be competently investigated in a balanced and timely fashion. That was not the case here.

“Vital evidence was not considered despite it being readily available and repeatedly requested. Once it was finally considered, it became clear that the allegations made against me were ill-founded and incorrect.

“I am grateful for all of the support that I have received, and I now look forward to resuming my career investigating and prosecuting serious criminals.”

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

• Op Midland ran from November 2014 to March 2016.
• Former DAC Steve Rodhouse was notified of complaints made against him in March 2022 and was formally served notice of a misconduct investigation in November 2022.
• The IOPC completed their investigation in January 2023 and confirmed their decision that Steve Rodhouse had a case to answer.
• In March 2025, the IOPC notified Mr Rodhouse that his emails and electronic documents held by the Metropolitan Police Service were available to be reviewed. He had previously repeatedly been told by the IOPC that these emails had been deleted, which was not correct. 
• This material was subsequently reviewed and identified multiple documents that demonstrated that Mr Rodhouse had acted honestly and diligently throughout the investigation. The IOPC has now confirmed Steve Rodhouse has no case to answer.
• Mr Rodhouse had no involvement whatsoever in the MPS response to Sir Richard Henriques’ recommendations. 
• Mr Rodhouse is the Director General (Strategic Projects) at the National Crime Agency.
• Mr Rodhouse is not available for interview or further comment.