Most police forces effectively identify patterns and causes of
homicide, and allocate the right resources to prevent it, but
there is still too much inconsistency in how policing tackles
homicide prevention, a new report has found.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue
Services (HMICFRS) carried out an inspection of homicide
prevention, jointly supported by the National Police Chiefs’
Council (NPCC), the College of Policing and the Independent
Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The inspectorate found several examples of good practice,
including clear and effective leadership in some forces, which
helped to co-ordinate activity and make sure all causes of
homicide were tackled. But inspectors were concerned by the
inconsistency across policing.
The report also warned that the current system for homicide data
collection from forces was preventing sufficient and accurate
information being submitted to the Home Office. Until this is
resolved, the Home Office, and in turn forces, may only have a
partial understanding of homicide and its causes. For example,
the link between drugs and homicide may have been overstated.
Other issues highlighted included:
- Some forces didn’t understand the threat in their area, so
couldn’t effectively prevent homicide.
- Not enough forces were found to be engaging and contributing
to the homicide prevention
framework.
- Most forces didn’t have a way of quickly identifying learning
following incidents of homicide, and too often recommendations
weren’t effectively communicated to frontline staff.
- Forces weren’t communicating effectively with young people
via social media, and this may be increasing fear of crime
unnecessarily among older people.
- Forces rely on social media platforms that young people are
less likely to use, resulting in prevention messages being lost
or communicated disproportionately to older people.
- Forces were failing to protect the public by not allocating
resources to properly manage potentially dangerous people.
In order to improve forces’ contribution to the prevention of
homicide, HMICFRS made recommendations to both chief constables
and the Home Office.
The recommendations include chief constables ensuring they
produce regular analytical reports concerning death investigation
and quickly identify lessons from homicides.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Andy
Cooke, said:
“It’s encouraging to see the examples of good practice happening
across forces in the prevention of homicide. However, for all the
positives, homicide prevention is hindered by the lack of
consistency in each force’s approach.
“When dealing with such a serious and devastating crime as
homicide, it is absolutely vital that forces and partner agencies
work closely and effectively together.”
Nerys Thomas, Head of Research Analysis and Knowledge
Sharing at the College of Policing, said:
“While there are many great examples of police forces working
well to identify patterns and prevent homicide there is still
more to do. The College of Policing will continue supporting all
forces to engage with and add to the homicide prevention
framework so we can share good practice across the country.
“Through using this framework to connect forces and encourage
partnership working, we can ensure the most effective and
efficient tactics are being deployed by forces in preventing such
devastating crimes.”
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for homicide Chief
Constable Kate Meynell, said:
“We welcome this report and will look to progress the
recommendations. We are working closely with the Home Office to
understand any emerging themes in homicides and what prevention
opportunities there maybe for policing and the wider system to
make a positive difference.
“The new homicide prevention framework goes beyond catching those
responsible, but rather it equips police forces with the tools
and tactics they need to stop it happening in the first place.
“Policing cannot take on the extensive societal issues that lead
to homicide alone. Many of the levers for prevention of homicide
will sit elsewhere and we are encouraging all agencies to work
alongside us so that collectively, we develop meaningful assets
and play our part in preventing homicide.”
The IOPC’s Acting Deputy Director General, Kathie
Cashell, said:
“Any death resulting from a homicide is a tragedy and we are
committed to working with partners across policing to identify
areas for improvements in the way police forces work to prevent
homicides.
“The IOPC has used data from referrals we receive, as well as
recommendations we have made as a result of our investigations
and reviews, to help inform this hugely important piece of work.
“This report offers a chance for forces to make changes that will
help build on the good work already being done to prevent
homicides and save lives.”
