Update on Previous Recommendations

In the previous submission in September 2024, the Police Perpetrated Domestic Abuse review yielded 14 recommendations as follows:

Recommendations

1 Enhance Victim Engagement and Support, to ensure consistency and a balance across the Force area.

2 A bespoke document to be created to explain the process of a criminal enquiry and/or Conduct enquiry.

3 Approach external services to establish a single point of contact (SPOC) for victims of PPDA to ensure that reporting in this area is maximised and the appropriate information is fed into the organisation

4 Engage with Staff Associations to ensure they also have appropriate procedures in place regarding victims of PPDA who are employed as Members of Police Staff.

5 Reports of PPDA to be reviewed by a specialist trained investigator with the relevant Domestic Abuse Investigation experience and background.

6 Domestic Abuse Investigation Standard Operating Procedure and other such document and/or policy to be updated to include investigating incidents of PPDA.

7 Enhanced training in respect of investigating crimes of PPDA.

8 Bespoke documents and Enquiry logs to be utilised throughout criminal reports of PPDA.

9 SLWG to be implemented to discuss recording mechanisms to ensure that clear and accurate data can be collated for any future review of PPDA.

10 In repeat reports of PPDA, the perpetrator should be appointed a Red, Amber or Green (RAG) status to highlight concerns.

11 Review of current vetting process and performance review of Special Police Constables.

12 Enhanced joint PSD and Public Protection communications internally and externally.

13 All matters involving PPDA criminality to be considered by PSD National Conduct.

14 Ensure the current process to identify the suitably trained area and/or department, taking cognisance of independence and transparency, remains fir for purpose.

Work is currently ongoing to discharge these recommendations timeously, of which eight remain ongoing. Six of the above recommendations have been discharged due to measures/processes implemented. These include Victim Safety Plans which were introduced nationally by the Domestic Abuse Coordination Unit (DACU) and provide a structure of support and safety for victims at high risk of domestic abuse, a detailed process map for instances of PPDA being developed under VAWG Guidance and a process of all PPDA being reviewed by specialist trained officers in the Domestic Abuse Task Force.

The remaining recommendations are being implemented by ongoing work led by DI Keith Taylor, ACU East Ops, in collaboration with DACU, Training Branch, Volunteer Co-ordination Unit and HR. These are being overseen by the PSD VAWG Tactical and Operational Working Group which meets every six weeks. The group is chaired by DI Stuart Robinson, ACU North Ops and attended by leaders from a variety of PSD departments who provide expertise and guidance on these actions.