Southwark Response

Report: 5
Date: 4 December 2009
By Detective Chief Inspector Julie Bidewell - Public Protection - MPS

This report has been compiled at the request of the MPA Domestic & Sexual Violence Board to give information on how Southwark BOCU in partnership with others responds to domestic and sexual violence.

1. Summary

1.1. The information within this report seeks to inform how Southwark Borough in partnership works to improve the service experienced by domestic and sexual violence survivors. The report highlights the BOCU’s and partners good practice, gaps in service delivery and innovations to; keep survivors safe; tackle domestic and sexual violence; hold offenders to account; bring offences to justice; increase reporting of domestic and sexual violence through increased confidence; and work in partnership with organisations and communities to improve the BOCU’s and partners response to domestic and sexual violence.

1.2. Southwark borough has the highest volume of domestic violence offences and incidents in the MPS and is the fourth highest in volume for sexual violence.

1.3. In the last 3 years, Domestic Violence Incidents (DVI) and Domestic Violence Offences (DVO) have increased. Based on the last 6 months figures of 2009 there is an estimated increase of DVI and DVO by 7% on last years figures.

1.4. The domestic violence SD performance of Southwark has steadily improved from 22% in 2007 to 44% in 2009. In this current financial year the performance of the CSU is slightly down on its target of 44% at 39.6%. The number of sanction detections is the third highest in the MPS; however when the performance is measured in percentages Southwark is 26th in the MPS.

1.5. The performance of positive action reflects itself in the DV arrest rate, which has improved; 2007 - 55%, 2008 - 63%, 2009 - 74% to its current position of 78% exceeding this year’s target of 70%. Southwark’s ranking is joint 7th in the MPS.

1.6. Southwark is 4th in the MPS for volume of serious sexual offences with an increase of 4% on last year’s figures. The SD performance for ‘Serious sexual violence’ offences has in previous years, been challenging; 2007 32%, 2008 29%, 2009 31%. There has been an improvement in performance this year, Southwark Sapphire Unit achieved a 35.2% sanction detection rate before handing serious sexual violence offences to SCD2. The improved performance has continued; it is above the target of 35%.

1.7. The boroughs Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, Safer Southwark has some excellent partnership working within the Borough, which is developing. There are good facilities and support for both DV and sexual violence survivors with the Havens, Victim Support (VS) and its wide range of services, Bede House, refuges, Local Authority Housing, Education, Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), Sexual Offences and Domestic Abuse forum (SODA), court advocates, Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA), CPS and Southwark Safeguarding Children’s Board..

1.8. It is acknowledged Southwark Public Protection Group and SCD2 need to interact and engage more directly with the diverse communities and take a more active role in working with partners out in the community to promote awareness of domestic and sexual violence; honour based violence and forced marriage.

2. Recommendations

1. Southwark Public Protection Group and SCD2 to improve working with partners with hard to reach/hear groups.
2. Improve CSU/sexual offences/forced marriage training on the borough.
3. Improve partnership working with CPS to improve the pursuit of independent prosecutions.

3. DV/Sexual Violence in Southwark - quantitative background

　Diversity

Administration 

3.1 The CSU investigates all reports of domestic violence, including those where the victim and/or perpetrator are under the age of 18, which is not included in the ACPO guidelines; race/hate crime; Safeguarding Adult at Risk cases and reports of honour based violence and forced marriage. To meet the growing demands and increased workload resources have been increased in the CSU. When recruitment to the CSU is complete posts will total 51. From 30th November there will be 3 vacant posts.

3.2 Southwark SCD2 investigates all reported rapes, penetrations and serious offences. There is a terms of reference clearly outlining their remit. Southwark SCD2 is currently fully staffed. There is an expectation in the very near future SCD2 will have an office manager. In addition Southwark SCD2 has access to all the resources within SCD2 throughout London giving resilience at times when demand is high.

4. Policy compliance and quality assurance.

Risk assessment and risk management.

4.1 Southwark Borough and SCD2 apply the following risk assessment and risk management regime to reports of domestic violence. Risk is assessed at key stages, as well as applying two levels of early supervision.

1. Emergency calls are graded with either an ‘Immediate’ or ‘Standard’ response. The BOCU’s response to graded calls is monitored in the Daily Management Meeting (DMM). The Primary investigation Officer/s are those who arrive first on scene; officers are required to apply the MPS corporate DV risk assessment model SPECCS + (Separation - Pregnancy - Cultural - Stalking - Sexual assault +). For sexual offences, which are not DV flagged the local H.A.V.E (history, 5 yr search – aggravating factors – vulnerability – escalation) model is used, assisting officers to identify and manage risk.
2. RARA (Remove – Avoid – Reduce – Accept) is used to risk manage Medium – High, risk assessments. Both the risk assessment and the risk management are documented on the crime report/ Merlin, or any other relevant document.
3. Where children are present or living in the household, Officers conduct a ‘5 outcomes assessment (Health - Safety - Enjoy and Achieve - Positive Contribution -Economic well-being.) and complete either a Merlin report or Merlin Pre Assessment Check (PAC). If necessary the emergency Police Protection will be used to ensure the child/ren’s safety.
4. Pre Assessment Checks (PAC’s) are completed on the Merlin system by Southwark’s Public Protection Desk (PPD) and where it is applicable PAC’s are forwarded on to relevant partner agencies.
5. Form 124D is completed where the offence/incident is flagged DV.
6. Positive action by the initial investigating Officers is expected in all cases of sexual and domestic violence, where it is clear an offence has been committed. A perpetrator at the scene should be arrested unless exceptional circumstances exist. If a perpetrator is not at the scene reasonable efforts have to be made by officers to locate that person. Arrest at the scene is recorded on the duty officer’s handover and monitored in the DMM. The DV arrest rate is above the target set of 70%.

4.2 Secondary investigations for DV and sexual offences are conducted by Southwark CSU and SCD2. The CSU has four investigative teams each lead by a DS. In addition, the CSU has a High Risk Intervention Team (HRIT) lead by a DS. SCD2 has two teams each lead by a DS and a DI who has overall responsibility of the local branch unit.

4.3 Risk assessment reviews are conducted at significant stages of a secondary investigation. Serious violence, threats to kill, suspected honour based violence and forced marriage offences, are given the same comprehensive documented reviews as those for serious sexual offences. Serious sexual offence reviews are 10 hrs (DS/DI), 7 days (DI) and 28 days DI/DCI. SCD2 has a cluster DCI who conducts the first 28 day review. Further 28 day reviews for both CSU and SCD2 are conducted until the investigation is complete either by the DI or DCI depending on the seriousness or complexities of the case. The SCD2 Detective Superintendent dip samples reviews and has quality controls in place.

3.10 The CSU HRIT DS reviews and quality assures all new DV incidents and offences reported to ensure SOP’s have been complied with. HRIT DS compiles a daily report of offences and incidents recorded in the last 24 hrs, which includes compliance of the 124D. A search tool has been developed to access 124D compliance. This is monitored and reviewed by the PPG DCI and SMT through the DMM. Non compliance issues are dealt with immediately. The following shows the compliance of the form 124D; week 3/11 - 9/11 85% & 10/11 - 16/11 92%.

3.11 The supervision of positive action, risk assessment, SOPs and 124D compliance is carried out at the initial investigation stage by the officer’s immediate line manager (PS/DS) and at the beginning of the secondary investigation stage by a DS. The overall responsibility lies with the Detective Inspectors (DCI) of SCD2 and CSU supported by the SMT in the Daily Management Meeting (DMM).

3.12 The highest risk cases of Domestic and Sexual violence are managed through Southwark’s Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC).The MARAC is chaired by DCI/DI of Southwark CSU every four weeks. There are three types of referral to the MARAC, (a) Professional Judgement; (b) Visible High Risk, where 14 risk indicators have been ticked on the risk indicator check list and (c) Potential Escalation; 3 offences or 5 incidents within the previous 12 months. Southwark BOCU does not use the number of incidents within the 12 month period for referral. Referrals are made based on the level of risk, assessed by the risk assessment tools used by both CSU and SCD2 and not on the number of incidents.

3.13 MARAC has an implementation Programme, which is in 3 stages. CAADA observed stage 1 in April 2008 and stage 2 in April 2009. CAADA will observe stage 3 in March/April 2010.

3.14 The Partnership Operations Group (POG) chaired by Southwark’s Head of Community Safety, meets every fortnight and looks at repeat victimisation for DV flagged incidents and crime in the borough (a repeat in this instance is within the previous 2 weeks). Most of these cases have not reached the level for referral to MARAC, but provides early intervention to help prevent escalation to MARAC.

Bringing perpetrators to justice:

3.15 Southwark CSU and SCD2 comply with the outstanding suspects SOP; circulation within 48 hrs if arrest enquiries have been negative. Additionally the CSU completes an arrest enquiry form, which tasks late turn/night duty uniform response teams. The tasking/s are part of the Duty Officers handover and monitored daily in the DMM. The CSU has a weekly ‘arrest day’, where CSU officers are supported by other CID departments to conduct arrest enquiries and locate outstanding suspects.

3.16 The Borough and CPS support where possible independent prosecutions if sufficient evidence is available. Data for the number of independent prosecutions is not retrievable, however it is acknowledged more could be done in this area. Case law, Regina v. C has recently been circulated informing officers the level of evidence required to pursue independent prosecutions and is part of the CSU induction pack.

Processes in place to support officers and ensure effective implementation of SOP’s, especially in cases where several procedures may be relevant to a particular case.

3.17 The Public Protection desk has been running for approx 18 months. In September 2009 an SMT decision was made to form a Public Protection Group (PPG) in Southwark co-locating CSU, Misper Unit, Public Protection Desk and Jigsaw to make best use of resources, providing greater support to staff, enhance the management of victim safety and security by utilising the expertise of all the units to manage risk.

3.18 The amalgamation is still being implemented; the CSU, PDD and Missing Persons Unit are to some extent already co-located. Lack of suitable accommodation is causing a delay in the completion of co-locating all units.

3.19 Southwark SCD2 has taken over the Sapphire office at Walworth Police Station allowing both SCD2 and the PPG to work together in partnership with ease.

3.20 Both BOCU and SCD2 incorporate Standard Operating Procedures, (SOPs) for Domestic Violence and Rape/Serious Sexual Assaults. SOPs provide guidance on the effective management and investigation of those offences. Compliance is monitored on every supervision level.

3.21 In relation to offences involving a number of agencies it must be agreed in the first instance who will take primacy over the investigation. Once established the primary agency /unit/department will take responsibility to coordinate any necessary handover of information/evidence and ensure relevant parties are kept up to date. There will be occasions when it is necessary for units to work jointly together. In the case of a DV rape, the CSU support SCD2 with risk assessments and risk management of the victim.

3.22 Both the CSU and SCD2 units have a mobile phone carried by a DS on duty; this number is publicised to borough officers to use if advice is needed.

3.23 Southwark experiences a high turnover of staff in all areas of business and it is a constant challenge to ensure officers are trained. The training unit have DV awareness training programmes for new staff, additionally CSU officers regularly take time to meet with teams/units to give DV training.

3.24 It is desirable that officers posted to the CSU attend the MPS 5 day DV training course. Substantive DC’s and DS’s have DV and sexual offences training on their CID and supervisors course. The 5 day course is particularly beneficial to police constables and trainee detective constables. On 14th September out of the 36 staff shown posted to the CSU 9/36 (25%) of officers have completed the 5 day CSU training; 28/36 (77.7%) have had some form of CSU / Adult at Risk /CID training.

3.25 To address and compensate for the lack of MPS 5 day DV training for officers posted to the CSU, induction packs and induction days are in place for all new staff joining the PPG (CSU – PPD – Misper unit).The induction packs contain relevant SOPS and policies, legislation, information on civil remedies and other associated documents /information to support officers.

3.26 Six (6) monthly training is planned using partner agencies to give key training. The agenda for the December training includes CPS (case files and independent prosecutions), HBV/FM (DVD), risk assessment and risk management, supervision, revised DV policy and civil remedies.

3.27 SCD2, ‘terms of reference’, has been circulated to the whole of the Borough. It is agreed if there are any concerns regarding, which department should take responsibility for a particular sexual violence offence, the SCD2 Superintendent will review the investigation and make the final decision which department should be the primary investigator.

3.28 SCD2 is managing an additional one weeks training course for Officers joining in addition to the sexual offences training already completed. SOIT coordinators monitor the workload of SOIT officers; keeping a record of all the investigations/incidents they are allocated. The welfare of the SOIT is paramount and it is the supervisors and SOIT coordinators responsibility to monitor their welfare.

How does the BOCU and SCD2 support staff / officers who are experiencing domestic violence, and ensure suspected staff / officer perpetrators of domestic violence and sexual violence are held accountable for their actions.

3.29 Southwark BOCU complies with the corporate policy contained within Police Notices regarding domestic violence and serious sexual offences. Notices 40/09 30.09.2009 Item 3 Version 2; is the revised MPS Domestic Policy, which contains links to SOP’s on MPS employees as victims/survivors and on MPS employees as perpetrators of DV/Serious Sexual 0ffences. This revised policy has been circulated and included in the PPG induction pack.

3.30 Additionally the publication of the new policy is being highlighted through the boroughs communication team in key messages.

3.32 The training unit at Southwark is currently looking at its DV training package to new recruits and MSC Officers. At this time it does not specifically address, as a separate issue, domestic violence within the MPS.

3.33 When an MPS member of staff is involved in DV offence /incident the crime report is restricted and the flag ‘PE’ is used. The Directorate of Professional Standard, TP Violent Crime Directorate Service Delivery Team and local SMT are informed and where applicable welfare officers will be appointed by the local Borough.

3.34 As with all cases of DV and sexual violence regardless of whether the perpetrator is an MPS employee, positive action will be taken. The BOCU Senior Management Team (SMT) sets standards and through SMT meetings reviews that standards are maintained and ensure victims and perpetrators are receiving appropriate welfare support through occupational health, Federation advice and support from immediate line managers. All investigations where the suspect is a police officer or police staff are investigated strictly in line with the generic DV policy to ensure public confidence is maintained. To ensure fairness and impartiality for a Southwark employee it would be appropriate to have another Borough investigate the offence.

4. Partnership working and Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRP).

What is the funding dedicated to tackling domestic and sexual violence within the overall CDRP budget?

4.1 Within the Safer Southwark Partnership budget the sum of £331648 is dedicated to tackling domestic and sexual violence.

4.2 Funds are provided from Safer Stronger Communities (SSCF,) Working Neighbourhood Fund (WNF) and Council Core budget. Both SSCF and WNF are now part of the area based grant.

See appendix 1 for breakdown of the budget.

4.3 Alternative funding streams are being considered, both nationally and European to keep the services, which currently exist. Daphne 2 is an EU funding source, which is currently available. The local authority has an officer whose role it is to look for alternative funding for the future.

Are Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence considered as part of the Annual Strategic assessment?

4.4 Domestic and Sexual Violence is part of the annual Strategic Assessment (SA). DV last year was identified by the (SA) as an area for further analysis. The Partnership analytical team are key members of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Abuse Forum (SODA).

Are there any CDRP domestic violence and/or sexual violence projects in progress? Which partnerships are particularly successful and why?

4.5 Sexual Offences and Domestic Abuse (SODA) steering group sits under the Serious Violence Strategic group under the CDRP. - Safer Southwark Partnership. This is a multi-agency group that works on the agreed action plan for that year, which reflects the strategy of the CDRP, which includes the National Indicators and the Local Area Agreements that have been agreed for the Borough. The work is monitored by the DV coordinators against the action plan work includes establishment and implementation of the independent domestic violence advocates (IDVA), the delivery of the Sanctuary scheme and the cross partnership work with, for example the Havens. The forum is well attended with an ambitious workplan and is currently working its way through a needs assessment process, which together with the strategic assessment will inform the next commissioning plan.

4.6 SODA merges the domestic violence forum; domestic violence steering group and the sexual violence steering group into one. Redefining their focus has resulted in fewer meetings for busy partners, a strong presence from health and the third sector and a common understanding of where the various agencies fit into the partnership work in this area. A joint performance report ensures that all agencies are accountable to the CDRP and partnership practice can be adjusted to cope with changing trends and pattern.

4.7 An example of this is the pilot telephone support advice service run by Bede House. Police attending domestic abuse call outs can refer victims directly to support services after hours and at weekends to a third sector provider.

4.8 Another example is the change in practice between the police and Victim Support (VS). All non crime DV call outs are now referred to VS services.

4.9 Partnership Operations Group (POG) meets fortnightly where Borough intelligence is looked at. Repeat DV victims are discussed and actions taken to resolve and mitigate the risk involved. Out of this group a list of DV victims of assault and wounding is sent to VS on a weekly basis. This helps VS prioritise their support to those clients.

4.10 Multi Agency Risk Assessment (MARAC) – a monthly meeting, which focuses on support for high risk, vulnerable, repeat, DV and DV Sexual Violence victims, attended by the following partners/agencies: Southwark VSS – Refuge Southwark (two refuges on the Borough) – Bede House – Reach – MOZAIC – Southwark Child Social Services –South London Maudsley (SLAM), Southwark Probation – Southwark Education – Southwark Safeguarding Adults Team – Southwark PCT.

How does the BOCU and SCD2 work in partnership with voluntary and statutory sector agencies locally?

4.11 The CSU DI chairs the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC). SCD2 DI attends when necessary. Referrals are made from any agency where the criteria is met for a multi agency approach to protect a high risk vulnerable victim of crime.

4.12 Sexual Offences and Domestic Abuse (SODA) is co- chaired by VS and Bede Hse (DV Project) – a wide range of partner agencies attend including representatives from Southwark CSU and SCD2. SCD2 DI is on the scoping working group looking at Female Genital Mutilation.

4.13 Partnership Operations Group (POG) – a meeting chaired by the head of Southwark Community Safety Jonothan Toy, and hosted at Southwark Police Station; a wide range of partner agencies attend.

4.14 Southwark PPG and SCD2 have a close working relationship with VSS. The referrals to VS are graded 1-2-3 to ensure the high priority victim’s needs are met first. The highest priority being 1.The sanctuary scheme (home security) a service provided by VS is accessed by BOCU and SCD2 officers for victims/survivors who do not want to move from their homes. If victims/survivors cannot or decide not to stay in their homes, police work with LA housing and refuges in order to provide survivors /victims with alternative safe housing.

4.15 The MAPPA is co- chaired by PPG DCI and Probation. MAPPA concentrates on the management of perpetrators.

4.16 Bede house a partner agency has dedicated caseworkers, including an LGBT caseworker, who offers practical and emotional support. Caseworkers offer victims free, confidential and non judgemental advice in a safe environment. They provide information and advice on safety planning, housing, legal matters, immigration, benefits and other practical issues either in person or on the telephone. Officers and police staff from BOCU and SCD2 refer Victims/survivors to Bede House, utilising the services they have on offer to enhance victims/survivor support.

4.17 The HAVEN is a sexual assault referral centre based at Kings College Hospital, which largely serves the south and south-east London boroughs and provides the primary support for forensic retrieval and primary victim care to victims of rape and sexual violence. There is a 12 month rota system for the SOIT officers working in the south and south-east boroughs to collect anonymous samples from Haven staff. Victims who self refer to the Havens can remain anonymous or agree to have their details passed onto the police so a decision could be made on what further police involvement should take place.

What training is delivered in partnership with the community?

4.17 There is a whole range of initiatives and training, which is ongoing. Much of the community training is provided by VSS. DV training is delivered in partnership with VS to police officers and police staff on 124D’s and domestic violence. BOCU and SCD2 need to look at what training is currently available with regard to sexual offences and where necessary improve on sexual offences training, incorporating it into DV /forced marriage/FGM training.

4.18 A multi agency working group is being set up by Southwark to look at how best to address with young people, dating violence and sexual exploitation. It is a piece of work in progress which came out of a recent piece of work looking at young women involved in violence.

4.19 SCD2 on 9th November with victim support talked to the Bengali women’s group. There are future plans to speak to the African women’s network in the very near future. Southwark BOCU will take opportunities to work with Southwark SCD2 and VS out in the community; to be involved in reaching out to the hard to reach groups by attending conferences and workshops.

4.20 For the second year running Southwark Officers will work with Peckham Community Council and other partners at the Domestic Violence Conference on 28th November, giving a key speech about domestic violence from a police perspective and to facilitate in the workshops that follow.

4.21 CPS; Southwark Sapphire DI held monthly meetings with the CPS rape specialist lawyer to review all cases that were waiting for a charge decision and all cases charged awaiting trial. Southwark SCD2 has the same arrangement. Prior to SCD2 taking over there had been an agreement to hold fortnightly surgeries with investigating officers and a CPS rape lawyer to support officers in their investigations. Due to staffing levels this arrangement had to be cancelled. However when the CPS staffing improves SCD2 will explore the possibility of a similar arrangement.

5. Work with victims and communities.

How do the (B)OCU and SCD2 monitor service user satisfaction and/or seek feedback from victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and then integrate any improvements into policy and practice.

5.1 The MPS and the BOCU do not measure Customer and Community Focus by conducting victim ‘call back’ on Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence offences. It is not considered to be appropriate, in particular with DV where victims/survivors remain in a relationship. The risk and repercussions cannot be assessed.

5.2 Forms USQ/1/2/3/4 are available for SOIT and investigating officers to use for feedback from victims of sexual violence. During the assessment period there were128 reported classified rapes. No questionnaires were issued to victims. In 1 case the officer considered issuing a questionnaire but deemed the victim unsuitable as they were under 18. In another case the officer considered issuing a questionnaire but deemed the victim unsuitable due to a disability/mental health issue/learning difficulties. Southwark SCD2 and BOCU is looking at re-establishing the use of this form and if the response is poor to look at alternative methods of obtaining feedback. There are issues to consider in relation to the investigation as the form is disclosable material. In respect of DV there are difficulties obtaining appropriate feedback, however it is important to capture data on the needs of victims/survivors to identify areas for improvement in current policies and practices and to pick up trends and rational of why victims/survivors of DV and sexual offences do not substantiate allegations and withdraw. Limited third party feedback is sometimes obtained from our partners, particularly from voluntary agencies but there is nothing structured at this time.

How do the BOCU and SCD2 ensure that the victims are provided with regular updates on cases and informed quickly of any changes or decisions?

5.3 BOCU and SCD2 have a responsibility to update victims every 28 days as a minimum; when a suspect has been arrested and/or charged victims should be updated within 7 days. Updates are recorded on CRIS with specific codes for the type of update given.

5.4 Dedicated SOIT Officers assist in providing good customer and community focus to survivors of serious sexual violence. SOIT officers will provide appropriate victim support based on the needs and wants of the victim. This may mean that a victim will be updated more regularly in a 28 day period. Additionally the Borough has a victim care unit, currently they do not update DV and sexual offences victims/survivors but there may be room to train officers within the unit to enhance the service currently delivered. The administration staff in the CSU is utilised to ensure regular updates are given where appropriate.

How does the BOCU/SCD2 ensure compliance?

5.5 Weekly spread sheets on compliance are produced by the Borough Performance Unit – this document is sent out to SMT and all DI’s /Inspectors of relevant units for monitoring the compliance of VCOP and to take any necessary remedial action. Compliance of VCOP, risk assessments and risk management are included in supervision responsibilities of all line managers and is an agenda item on team leader meetings and with the Senior Management Team (SMT).

How does the borough build trust and confidence with hard to reach communities and ‘honour based violence?

5.6 Currently the borough achieves 78.4% arrest rate on offences alleged and will; if the evidence is available pursue independent prosecutions.

5.7 There have been a number of HBV cases; one particular case required officers to travel and arrest perpetrators in Birmingham – Officers have obtained forced marriage protection orders (FMO) to protect victims/survivors. Southwark was the first Borough to obtain a custodial sentence for a perpetrator who breached an FMPO.

5.8 Where appropriate the Communications Team / MPS DPA will report good news stories, informing the community that the MPS/Southwark/SCD 2 is dedicated to fighting DV and sexual violence.

5.9 Southwark fully participates in the MPS DV and Sexual Violence days ‘Athena’, which are widely publicised. Southwark will conduct an arrest morning for outstanding DV and sexual offences perpetrators. Southwark will explore the opportunity of having partnership involvement for future DV initiatives.

5.10 Both BOCU and SCD2 officers are working with partners, attending work shops for violence against women. There are plans to extend participation to a wider audience e.g. African women’s network - Bengali women and men workshop in 2010.

5.11 Southwark has a dedicated victim suite to accommodate victims/survivors and has facilities to occupy children, providing privacy for individuals and families whilst at the Police Station. SCD2 and BOCU are reviewing the facilities to ensure individuals with physical disability and/or wheel chair users are equally comfortable with the facilities provided. The suite is on the first floor and lift facilities are available.

5.12 Southwark has recently reviewed the role of the dedicated LGBT liaison officer. The LGBT liaison officer role remains but there is no longer one dedicated officer. Southwark has increased the number of officers within the SNT‘s who have a responsibility to improve engagement and identify the needs of the Gay community in Southwark. An action plan is in place to ensure there is improvement in our engagement with the community and the role of the dedicated LGBT officer continues and consistency across the board with regard to the role of an LGBT liaison officer.

6. Organisational Improvement.

Homicide reviews.

6.1 There have been two homicide reviews during the time period given. Territorial Police Head Quarters (TPHQ) has prepared a response for the board on the day in relation to the two reviews. A number of recommendations were made in relation to both of the reviews. Southwark responded to those recommendations by ensuring regular re-enforcement around working to SOP’s for DV, sexual offences, threats to life and harassment. Managing risk and risk assessment is an agenda item for the SMT in the DMM and an agenda item at DI/Inspectors and DS/PS meetings. Additionally as a result of the recommendations Southwark SMT extended the remit of the CSU to include investigation of DV offences where parties in an intimate relationship were under18.

Benefits and challenges of implementing SCD 2 locally.

6.2 SCD2 is fully resourced with a dedicated team of officers who have chosen a career path to investigate serious sexual offences. The investigation remit is much narrower than the Southwark Sapphire team. The narrower remit, allows officers more time to investigate the serious and often complex serious sexual offences and the SOIT officers concentrate on the care and welfare of the victim/survivors, addressing their individual needs. The ongoing training planned will develop excellent levels of expertise. There will be consistency of investigation and victim care not only to Southwark but to the MPS as a whole.

6.3 The initial challenge for both BOCU and SCD2 was the speed of the implementation; managing the changeover of staff; transferring of investigations; communicating the changes and implementation of SCD2 to all staff and keeping up BOCU staff morale and the enthusiasm of SCD2 officers.

6.4 Additional challenges for the BOCU was losing experienced DS’s and DC’s and having to identify officers for 6 month secondments to SCD2 to assist in the short fall of DC’s and SOIT’s locally. The BOCU having lost experienced DC’s also had responsibility to retain a number of sexual offences not within SCD2 remit.

6.5 Additional challenges for SCD2; a completely new investigative team, lack of local knowledge of partner agencies and working practices and the transfer of 38 allegations of serious sexual violence offences, which required careful management by the SCD2 DI and Southwark Sapphire DI.

How have close working relationships been ensured between SCD2 and the BOCU?

6.6 Good communication and open doors between SCD2 DI, PPG and PPG DCI is building good strong relationships. SCD2 attends the DMM meetings to share information on cases within their remit. This gives the SMT the opportunity to ascertain whether SCD 2 require any support from the borough by way of resources, community impact assessment and risk management. The good relationship is evidenced where borough officers assisted SCD2 in the arrest of an outstanding rape suspect and even more recently where the CSU and SCD2 are investigating multiple offences of one perpetrator within the remit of both units.

6.7 SCD2 and BOCU officers attend a number of partnership meetings, internally and externally, which again strengthen the working relationship e.g. bi- weekly early warning system meeting, chaired by Southwark’s higher Analyst, which discusses sexual offending and looks at potential trends of offending.

6.8 SCD2 terms of reference have been disseminated to the borough through the communications team in the boroughs key messages to ensure clear understanding of their remit.

Where there have been cases of ‘honour’ based violence has the HBV Action Plan proved fit for purpose?

6.9 The Boroughs action plan was to ensure awareness training was delivered to frontline officers and investigators on honour based violence and to give enhanced training to the High Risk Team who would take the necessary immediate action. This includes an immediate risk assessment, to put in place appropriate risk management, brief the investigating officer (IO) taking on the investigation, ensure regular reviews conducted and check compliance of the good practice within the FM manual. Additionally, HBV/forced marriage was raised in the Southwark’s Safer Children’s Board by the police to give it a higher status, which it has achieved. Further training has been planned in relation to showing the forced marriage/honour based violence video recently launched at the forced marriage/honour based conference on 24th September.

What have been the successes and areas for improvement of Public Protection Desks?

6.10 The Public Protection Desk works in partnership with the Southwark Safeguarding Children’s board. The successes are improving the life chances of children enabling them to receive help and support to maximise their potential and have an improved quality of life. PPD enables early identification of risk to enable effective partnership working to improve the safety and security of children and other vulnerable people.

6.11 Training has made staff more aware of their responsibilities to identify and manage risk.

6.12 There is an improved assessment and analysis of information about children, which will;

• Increase the reporting of offences committed against children.
• Improve relationships with external partners and sharing of information.
• Identify trends that will benefit from early intervention
• Improve police response and compliance with guidance set out in ‘Working Together.’
• Protect children from dangerous members of the public.

6.13 PPD is on a Southwark Safer Children’s Board sub group, whose aim is to raise the awareness within Southwark of Trafficking with partner agencies. It is pilot a 6 borough pilot project. This project involves a number of agencies about working with the local authority in relation to trafficked persons (adults and children) who are exploited for domestic servitude and or sexual exploitation. There have been 8/9 referrals which has shown that the aim has been achieved. The decision of the board is to now decide whether or not to stop the sub group having achieved its aim or to develop the project further.

What single improvement do you think the Metropolitan Police Service cold make, which would greatly improve the response to a) Domestic Violence and b) sexual violence?

6.14 MPS recognises that DV is a high risk area of work. The care and risk management of DV victims can at times be complex. As a specialised and often difficult area of work I would want to see the MPS put greater investment in resources and training of officers and staff working in this field.

6.15 MPA; Support DV as a specialist crime and ensure the investment required is made in order to deliver a quality specialised service with appropriately trained staff equally and consistently across the MPS.

6.16 MPS has made serious sexual offences a specialised post and acknowledged the inconsistencies in how Sapphire units were resourced and quality of victim care over a 24 hr period. Sexual offending amongst our youth is a serious issue and there needs to be greater partnership working with police and education to address this issue.

6.17 MPA; align the performance targets of CPS and MPS with regard to serious sexual violence. Working in partnership, bringing offenders to justice is made extremely difficult by the differing targets. With the current policy on detecting serious violence offences the public view is distorted on the police and CPS ability to identify perpetrators for this offence.

7. Equality and Diversity Statement

7.1 Southwark recognises domestic and sexual violence is widespread throughout every social economic group and affects all sections of society irrespective of race, culture, nationality, religion, sexuality, disability, age, class or ability. Officers are reminded it is important to remember each person’s experience and response is unique to them and it’s important that we recognise the needs of each individual person and respond accordingly, whilst at the same time ensuring protocols, SOPs and policies are complied with. There is a minimum standard for investigation, a SOP for the investigation of DV, a policy for outstanding suspects and risk assessment tools, which help us, deliver a quality and professional service.

7.2 Southwark had in place an LGBT liaison Officer - it has been decided to enhance the position by having an LGBT link Officer on the boroughs four sectors. The pervious LGBT officer will lead on this change utilising his past experience but it is perceived there will be greater communication and engagement by having more than four officers in this role. An action plan has been drawn and the change is being communicated internally through the communications team and externally through partnership meetings.

7.3 Southwark is currently reviewing the suitability of its victim/survivor suite, to ensure it can be accessed and provides the necessary comfort to individuals who may have a physical disability and/or be a wheel chair user.

Appendix 1

• Domestic violence Slush from (Domestic Violence Intervention programme(DVIP) £51,250 from core Council, Contract Service Level Agreement (SLA)
• Bede IDVA X 2 £88,651 - SSCF provides £44,000, contract SLA
• VSS IDVA X 2 £89,302 - provided from Council Core; contract SLA
• Bede House LGBT service £50,000; provided from WNF; contracted £50,000
• DV Project Money; Various projects £52,411; SCF provide £20,000 and Council Core provide £32,411; contracted SLA.
• Total; SSCF £64,651 -WNF £94,000 -Council Core £32,411.

Appendix 2: Introduction to Southwark

Southwark covers an area of 28.85 / km2 – 11.1 sq miles. Southwark borders City of London and the following London Boroughs; Tower Hamlets to the North, Lambeth to the West, Lewisham to the East, Bromley and Croydon the South.

Southwark has 21 Safer Neighbourhood (SNT) wards within its eight (8) wards of Bermondsey, Borough and Bankside, Camberwell, Dulwich, Nunhead and Peckham Rye, Peckham, Rotherhithe and Walworth.

Borough and Bankside in the historic north of the borough, is now a vibrant cultural and commercial quarter at the heart of the capital, with new commercial, cultural and retail developments.

Rotherhithe and Bermondsey areas have undergone a transformation in the last few years creating new homes where previously there were manufacturers and docks.

Peckham, Newington and Camberwell in the centre of the borough are characterised by some of the most deprived communities in the country albeit with pockets of affluence. This area is significantly more multi-cultural than the rest of the borough, speaking over 100 languages with wide-ranging needs and expectations.

Dulwich in the south is by contrast low density and for the most part affluent with a few pockets of deprivation. Dulwich retains a characteristically quiet, suburban atmosphere and is home to a large number of professionals who commute to central London.

Businesses in the borough include the Pearson Group (which produces the Financial Times & Daily Express), Lloyds TSB Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG and MORI. The borough also has a flourishing small business sector.

Southwark’s population and following statistics are taken from, ‘Southwark Vital Statistics 2007’ based on the estimates from 2001 census.

Total population; 274,400 a growth of 25,534 since 2001 census.

Males; 139,600 Females 134,800

The age group 25-44yrs makes up the largest percentage of the population at 41.8% and age group 45 – 64 the second largest percentage at 17.9% followed by 5-14 yrs at 9.8%.

Index of deprivation – average of scores Southwark is ranked nationally 26th and in London, 9th. 1st being the most deprived.

Ethnic groups; White 64.6% - Mixed.4.0% - Asian or Asian British 6.1% - Black or Black British 20.9% - Chinese or Other ethnic group 4.4%.

Religion; Christian 61.6% - Muslim 6.9% - Hindu 1.1% - Sikh 0.2% - Buddhist 1.1%

Jewish 0.4% - Other 0.4% No religion 18.5% - Religion not stated 9.9%.

Total of Households: Local Authority 33.7% - Registered Social Landlords 11.9% - Other Public Sector 0.0% - Private sector 54.4%.

Community Safety: Percentage of residents who feel fairly safe or very safe during the day; 2008 92% - 2006 87%. Percentage of residents who feel fairly safe or very safe after dark; 2008 54% - 2006 46%.

Economic Activity: Employment rate 65.9% - Unemployment rate 8.9% - Inactivity rate 27.6% - Working Age Population 71.3% - Total Borough Population 274,400.

Appendix 3: Training delivered by VS and other agencies

There is a whole range of initiatives and training which is ongoing.

VS have assisted in training to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on DV for the last 5 years.

VS in partnership with the police provide DV training to police officers on 124D’s and domestic violence.

VSS /DV Project/Bede House/Refuge delivered a one of training to GP surgeries and Primary Care Trust.

VS have delivered DV awareness training to Bengali women service users at Rockingham Community Centre.

VS have held 2 seminars with workshops to African residents and one with African Caribbean men.

VS in partnership with Southwark Multi Faith Forum – facilitated DV workshops. Bede House, Southwark ASB unit at Peace Breakfast contributed to the workshops.

VS have delivered training on SSP DV Training Programme (SLA).

BAME project with African Advocacy – delivered awareness training to staff/volunteers and workshops with service users.

VS has delivered joint partnership training – Southwark MPS Partnership awareness training.

DV awareness training delivered to Southwark Childminders.

DV training/workshops with service users in supported housing/voluntary agencies.

Dating Violence workshops with young people (service users) at hostels.

Presentations/training with housing officers/hostel workers in supported housing/graduate housing trainees.

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