Rethink Urged by Outrage!

LONDON, November 18,  2005  –  A top police murder investigation team, involved in work on high profile gay-bashing murders, looks set to be scrapped, Outrage! has learned.
 

■ Peter Tatchell: “Bizarre and short- sighted to disband this highly experienced, expert team of officers,”

Murder Investigation Team 7, based at Sutton Police Station in south London, has been responsible for arrests and charges over the David Morley and Jody Dobrowski homophobic murders.

The acclaimed officers now face being disbanded next April, as part of a cost-cutting and personnel reorganisation drive authorised by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Ian Blair.

“It is bizarre and short-sighted to disband this highly experienced, expert team of officers,” said Peter Tatchell of the LGBT human rights group OutRage!.

“They have had a series of high-profile successes in solving ghastly murders.  They deserve accolades, not disbandment.

“We urge Sir Ian Blair to recognise the valuable work done by these officers and to abandon the axing of this team,” said Mr Tatchell.

Murder Investigation Teams were set up following the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry which reported in September 1998.  Stephen Lawrence was murdered in 1993.

The teams are part of the Metropolitan Police’s Homicide Command, which is part of the Serious Crimes Directorate.