The police do not always use protective measures effectively to
safeguard women and girls, despite evidence of dedicated officers
working to protect victims, a new report has found.
A police super-complaint, submitted by the Centre for Women’s
Justice, raised concerns that the police are failing to use
protective measures – such as pre-charge bail with conditions and
restraining orders – in cases involving violence against women
and girls.
Following a joint investigation, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary
and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), the Independent Office
for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the College of Policing found that
there were good examples of the police using these measures.
The report said a common theme from police forces where there was
good practice was support from a legal team.
However, the report also said there was a lack of understanding
within police forces over how and when to use protective
measures, which means support for victims is sometimes not good
enough – and could lead to women and girls being harmed, or
victims being less likely to report crime in the future.
The report made several recommendations, including that:
- Chief Constables should ensure their officers understand all
the protective measures available;
- the Home Office and Ministry of Justice should intensify and
accelerate their consideration of creating a bespoke offence of
breaching pre-charge bail; and
- the Home Office and Ministry of Justice should review and
improve the way the police are told about non-molestation orders.
The report concluded that better data collection on the use of
protective measures is needed to help the police determine which
measures are most effective in different scenarios.
Zoë Billingham, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary
said:
“There is an epidemic of crime against women and girls, and
protective measures are an important tool for the police to help
keep them safe. The police have made vast improvements over the
last decade in how they respond to these crimes, but sometimes
officers are not aware of the powers available to them, or the
processes are confusing – and this could lead to women and girls
being harmed.
“Recent changes in legislation will address some of these
concerns, but it is essential these changes are communicated to
frontline police officers, and that they are given clear guidance
to help them understand the law.
“We thank the Centre for Women’s Justice for submitting this
super-complaint. Ultimately, making sure women and girls are
properly protected is not a matter for the police alone. A
joined-up approach across the police, government, criminal
justice system and victim support organisations is urgently
needed so that victims do not fall between the gaps.”
Bernie O’Reilly, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the
College of Policing said:
“We are grateful to the Centre for Women’s Justice for bringing
forward this super-complaint regarding police use of protective
measures in cases involving violence against women and girls.
“Protecting vulnerable people and bringing offenders to justice
are fundamental responsibilities for the police. The
investigation of this super-complaint revealed examples of
officers doing great work with both victims and potential victims
to ensure the best protection for women and girls, but it is
concerning when this was not always the case. It is important
that police officers and staff understand the range of protective
measures available to help secure the safety of vulnerable women
and girls.
“The report also highlights that policing cannot achieve all of
the necessary protections for vulnerable people. Other bodies and
organisations also have key roles to play. We will continue
working with our colleagues across government and policing to
take these recommendations forward, ensuring our advice and
guidance best equip policing to continue protecting girls and
women.”
Michael Lockwood, IOPC Director General said:
“Police have a key role in protecting vulnerable people and this
super-complaint has highlighted clear gaps where improvements
must be made in protecting vulnerable women and girls.
“The right training, support, guidance and leadership is critical
to police using protective measures to help keep women and girls
safe from harm.
“However, this is a community-wide issue and one which needs not
just a policing response, but a response from the whole criminal
justice sector, non-government organisations and others.
“More than ever we need a consistent approach to stopping
appalling crimes of violence against women and girls from
occurring in the first place.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
