17 July 2025

© Tom Blewitt – Predator Awareness

A Metropolitan Police officer has been found guilty of rape after a re-trial at St Albans Crown Court on Thursday, 17 July. Jake Cummings, 26, from Hemel Hempstead, was unanimously convicted on two counts of rape in relation to two victims, adding to a growing list of police officers involved in criminal activities that undermine public trust in police officers across the country.

This particular case is deeply disturbing, especially as Cummings had already been convicted in October 2024 for a range of offences, including three counts of coercive controlling behaviour, two counts of voyeurism, and three counts of stalking. His previous conviction highlighted a pattern of abusive behaviour towards women, but the jury’s failure to reach a decision on two counts of rape led to the re-trial, where the officer was found guilty once again.

The investigation into Cummings’ actions began after one victim came forward in February 2024, but what followed paints a deeply troubling picture of systematic abuse. A second victim came forward shortly after, emboldened by media coverage of the case, while a third victim was identified through the download of Cummings’ mobile device. All three women had been in separate relationships with Cummings, spanning a period of four years, and all shared eerily similar experiences of harassment, coercive control, and emotional manipulation.

Between July 2019 and February 2024, the victims endured what can only be described as a relentless campaign of abuse. Cummings used his position of trust as a police officer to manipulate and control his victims, leaving them emotionally scarred. The cases of coercion and harassment are compounded by the fact that these crimes continued even after the relationships ended.

This case further exacerbates the growing concerns over police misconduct, with multiple officers now facing charges for sexual offences and abuse of power. In recent years, there has been a steady stream of reports and convictions involving police officers abusing their authority to perpetrate violent and predatory acts. These revelations not only tarnish the reputation of the police force but also erode public trust in an institution that is meant to protect the public.

The sheer number of officers involved in such crimes raises questions about the effectiveness of internal investigations within police forces. Why are so many officers, who should be held to the highest standards of integrity, engaging in criminal behaviour that harms the very people they are sworn to protect? And why does it take so long for these cases to come to light?

Detective Inspector Dale Mepstead, from the Major Crime Unit, praised the victims’ bravery in coming forward and bringing Cummings to justice.

“The emotional impact of Cummings’ offending will live with his victims for many years. But it is through their brave testimony that he has finally been brought to justice.”

However, the question remains: how many more victims are out there? How many more officers in positions of power are using their roles to manipulate, control, and abuse vulnerable people? With several high-profile cases in recent months, including those involving officers across the UK, the question of accountability within the police force has never been more pressing.

The ongoing series of police officer convictions for sexual crimes is not just a sad indictment of the individuals involved but also a systemic issue that calls into question the culture within our police forces. The need for rigorous internal reviews, increased oversight, and cultural change within these institutions has never been clearer.

Public trust in the police is at an all-time low, and for good reason. The public expects the police to uphold the law with integrity, yet time and time again, officers are found guilty of breaching that trust in horrific ways. If law enforcement is to maintain any semblance of legitimacy, urgent action is needed to root out the toxic elements that have pervaded the ranks.

It is essential that all police forces take immediate steps to address the cultural and systemic issues that allow such crimes to occur. Only then can the long road to restoring public confidence in the police begin. For the victims, justice has been served today, but their road to healing is only just beginning. For the police, however, the consequences of Cummings’ conviction — and the convictions of many others like him — should serve as a stark reminder that no one is beyond the law.

At Predator Awareness, we operate without fear or compromise.

Uniform or no uniform, we will relentlessly uncover the truth and protect the innocent.

Follow us on:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram