NPCC: Police response to end-to-end review of rape

EMBARGOED UNTIL 2230 ON THURSDAY 17 JUNE

The Government has published its end-to-end review of rape and action plan to increase the number of rape cases reaching court.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Rape, Deputy Chief Constable Sarah Crew, said:

“Rape is a devastating crime that can have a lifelong impact on victims. It is one of the most complex investigations police carry out and in recent years the criminal justice system has not been convicting enough offenders, and too few victims are getting justice.

“The end-to-end rape review will assist in work that is already well underway to improve the police service’s response to this awful crime. It highlights several issues across the whole of the justice system, many of which we are already addressing, and we will act on all its recommendations. Anything that can improve the service offered to survivors will be implemented.

“Police officers join to take dangerous people off the streets and get victims the justice they deserve but, in the case of rape, that has not happened enough. This is incredibly frustrating for all of us and we are absolutely committed to doing better. Changing the system and getting justice for more victims won’t happen overnight but I am confident we are moving quickly in the right direction and already making vital improvements.

“In Avon and Somerset we have taken a transformative approach to investigating rape based on strong academic research, which places more focus onto the suspect, and I’m pleased to see this project is to be rolled out to more forces.

“I meet regularly with victims’ groups and charities who help shape our improvements and I know they will continue holding us and the Crown Prosecution Service to account on progress.

“Survivors of rape who come forward will be listened to, treated with respect and compassion and a thorough investigation will be launched. We will do everything we can to bring a case to court but if the evidence does not allow for a prosecution we will work with other agencies to support victims and take steps to protect the public from dangerous people, like Sexual Risk Orders.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Our action plan with the Crown Prosecution Service focuses on:

1. Supporting victims – including improving support to vulnerable victims and how we better communicate with victims.
2. Case work quality and progression – to improve working relationships between police and CPS so that it is efficient, timely and effective and geared towards building strong cases from the outset.
3. Digital capability and disclosure – making sure we better balance privacy and fairness and better navigate the challenges and the impact of digital evidence.
4. Our people and expertise – investing in building capability and expertise in the investigation and prosecution of rape offences but also wellbeing.
5. Stakeholder engagement – ensuring open, transparent and collaborative working with the range of knowledgeable and informed stakeholders in this field to make sure our plan is fit for purpose, that we deliver it effectively and that outcomes improve as a result.