Westminster report

Report: 2
Report for the Domestic and Sexual Violence Board
Date: 29 September 2010

Part A: is available as a PDF

B1: Report to MPA Domestic and Sexual Violence Board

Date: 29 September 2010

By: Detective Chief Superintendent Sue Hill

1.1 Westminster Borough currently has a Community Safety Unit which investigates all allegations of hate crime including domestic violence. SCD2 have a unit currently located in Westminster and investigate all offences which fall within Section 1 and 2 Sexual Offences Act. All other allegations of a sexual nature are investigated by the relevant CID office. The Borough’s Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, Safer Westminster Partnership and Westminster Council provide commission and coordinate a range of domestic and sexual violence services in the borough.

1.2 The DV sanction detection target for 2009/10 was 45%, with an arrest rate target of 70%. The Community Safety Unit achieved both of these targets. The target for 2010/11 is a 47% sanctioned detection rate and a 77% arrests rate. Westminster Borough currently ensures 83.6% of DV related offences result in arrest and the sanctioned detection rate is 57.5%. These figures are currently matched in the performance/investigation around all hate crime currently investigated by the Westminster CSU.

1.3 The performance targets for SCD2 are measured around ‘stranger 1’ and ‘stranger 2’ rapes. Currently SCD2 have a detection rate of 45.45% (stranger 1) with a target of 30% and a detection rate of 13.73% (stranger 2) target %20.

B2: Policy compliance and quality assurance

2.1 How does the (B)OCU and SCD2 use risk assessment and risk management tools to ensure victims/ survivors are made safer, and that perpetrators are made accountable for their behaviour?

2.2 All calls to domestic incidents are attended by a police officer unless they are reported by the victim in person a police station. This is ensures effective risk manage of the incident scene, all evidence is retrieved as soon as practicable, positive action takes place immediately and most importantly immediate safety for all victims is provided. The initial call made by a victim is automatically graded as ‘I’ (immediate) by the relevant METCALL site. Currently the average response time for DV related incidents on Westminster is 9mins 07 seconds with the response to all other I’’ grade calls being 7.3 minutes. Clearly there is a gap between the two average times and this is currently being addressed by both local IBO supervisors and METCALL. The compliance around ‘I’ grade attendance is an agenda item on the morning Daily Management Meeting (DMM).

2.3 On Westminster Borough all electronic Computer Aided Despatch (CAD) messages are supervised by the Integrated Borough Operations supervisor (IBOS).This is done to ensure the DV SOP is fully adhered to and that appropriate action has been taken before the incident is closed. If the suspect is not arrested at the time the IBOS will make sure ongoing arrest enquiries are conducted irrespective whether the suspect resides on or off Westminster Borough.

2.4 All domestic incidents are recorded in a book 124D the bespoke report book for reporting all domestic incidents. Contained within the book is the ‘SPECSS+’ risk assessment model. All Initial responding officers must complete the risk assessment process and grade the risk. The initial intervention of the responding officers is checked by a supervisor who must also note the report book. The instructions to supervisors are that they must satisfy themselves that the risk assessment and action taken is correct and/or record any remedial action that maybe required. Completed book 124Ds are then passed to the Community Safety Unit where they are given a unique reference number and indexed. That reference number is also recorded on the relevant CRIS report. The completed books are continually dip-sampled by CSU supervisors to ensure the DV SOP is being fully adhered to and if necessary remedial action is or can be taken.

2.5 All domestic incidents (regardless if a crime has been alleged/identified or not) are recorded on the Crime Reporting information System (CRIS). The risk factors as per the SPECSS+ model are recorded on the CRIS as part of the initial report. Crime reports are initially supervised on the same day by the response team supervisor and then by Crime Management Unit staff for completeness. The supervisor must also ensure the relevant part of the ‘hate crime tab’ on the CRIS report has been noted and that they concur with the risk assessment.

2.6 All outstanding suspects for DV related offences are to be arrested or circulated on the Police National Computer (PNC) within 72 hours. In all high or medium risk cases the suspect must be arrested within 24 hours or circulated as wanted on the PNC. CSU supervisors are responsible for compliance around this issue and as such it forms part of the ‘supervisor’s template’. A weekly meeting is held with the BOCU Detective Superintendent who ensures all outstanding suspects have been arrested or circulated as per the instructions. The quick arrest of suspects goes some way to managing/reducing the immediate risk to victims. The Westminster BOCU current arrest rate for DV related offences is 83.6%.

2.7 Each morning all new DV crimes and serious sexual offences are reviewed by the CSU or SCD2 DI and are checked to ensure the relevant SOP has been correctly adhered to. Where failings are identified team inspectors are contacted to take appropriate action. A monthly spread sheet is also produced and officers who repeatedly fail to comply with the SOP are then highlighted to the relevant operational Chief Inspectors. If there are significant short-fallings for example, insufficient documented positive intervention, issues around safeguarding victims/children or major errors in officer’s actions then these are highlighted in the daily Public Protection Group Meeting (PPGM). This is also a standing agenda item at the Daily Management Meeting (DMM) where such errors are addressed and brought to the attention of the relevant Chief Inspector.

2.8 All DV reports are allocated to a supervisor on the Community Safety Unit (CSU) for further assessment and necessary action. CSU supervisors ensure the SOP has been adhered to and a supervisor’s template is entered on to the relevant report. For crime investigations, the CSU investigating officer (IO) will undertake a secondary risk assessment of the case using the SPECSS+ assessment tool. The original risk assessment grade will either be confirmed or amended accordingly. For all Medium or High risk cases the CSU IO will ensure the DASH 2 risk assessment tool is utilised and full details entered onto the report. High and Medium risk incidents are always mentioned in both the PPGM and DMM. All High and Medium risk cases will either be referred to Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA), assessed for suitability for the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) or other appropriate bespoke interventions will be implemented, for example the sanctuary project.

2.9 Referral to MARAC will involve the completion of another risk assessment checklist (based on the CAADA DASH2 model). This referral will be passed to a CSU supervisor who will oversee and quality assure the referral before submitting to the MARAC co-ordinator. If children are present at DV incidents or involved in the relationship, initial responding officers are required to complete a Merlin Pre assessment Check (PAC) report. The BOCU Public Protection Desk (PPD) then supervises this report and effectively undertakes a further risk assessment in relation to the children. If there are any concerns or is any increased risk to the children, action will be taken by police or Children’s Services to remove, avoid or otherwise minimise that risk. Compliance around the submission of PAC’s is initially addressed by CSU supervisors (it forms part of the supervisors template) and any short fallings are immediately brought to the attention of team supervisor. Non-compliance is also highlighted in the PPGM and any serious short-fallings are taken to the DMM.

2.10 With regard to investigations undertaken by SCD2 , for all allegations involving DV the above risk assessment models are always utilised. Any other offences involving serious sexual violence the SOIT officer together with the OIC always conduct a thorough risk assessment as per the SCD2 SOP. The SCD2 intelligence unit conducts daily reviews of all sexual offences reported to police for the previous 24 hour period. A risk matrix is applied and all cases identified as high risk are discussed at the SCD2 DMM, where required actions are raised. Risk assessments are subject to ongoing reviews by supervisors at 10hour (DS), 7 day (DI), 28 days (DCI). High risk or incidents of critical community concern will be discussed at the BOCU DMM, the SCD2 DI will also attend.

What work is being done to ensure that the 124D (or DASH 2008) form is being used consistently across the borough in 100% of domestic violence cases and that the information it collects is being entered onto the relevant MPS IT systems e.g. CRIS, MERLIN, and CRIMINT?

2.11 From when a domestic incident is first recorded on the CAD system, there is a default expectation that a CRIS report is completed irrespective if criminal offences are alleged or identified. This is always checked by the IBOS and all team supervisors are instructed to check relevant reports at the completion of a tour of duty. The instruction is that the record cannot be completed and put away without a CRIS number being entered onto the CAD. Between 1/06/2009 and 30/03/2010 there were 1585 CAD messages on Westminster and the compliance was 100%. As per the current DV SOP a supervisor is to be informed of all incidents involving domestic violence and initial supervisors are instructed to ensure a book 124d has been completed and they are to endorse the supervision by noting the relevant CRIS report. Compliance around this instruction is checked daily by CSU supervisors who ensure that the relevant page of the CRIS report has been noted by a supervising officer. Any identified short-fallings are brought to the attention of the relevant team inspectors that day and they will initially deal with the issues. A monthly spread sheet is produced by the CSU Detective Inspector which identifies officers who repeatedly fail to complete a book 124d and supervisors who fail to supervise them correctly. This spread sheet is forwarded to the relevant Chief Inspector for action.

2.12 Any domestic incident where there is any suggestion of children being present, involved or part of the family relationship, the IBOS will require a MERLIN unique reference number in addition to the CRIS reference prior to the message being put away. This ensures completion of a Merlin report in all appropriate cases. CSU supervisors will also check daily that a MERLIN reference number has been entered onto the relevant CRIS reports (it forms part of the supervisor’s template). If no reference number has been entered on the report then the officer together with the relevant supervisor will be contacted. During the PPGM any DV incident where a MERLIN has or should have been entered will be highlighted to the supervisor of the PPD.

2.13 Additional checks and supervision include the PPD monitoring CRIS reports relating to young persons to check completion of Merlin reports. Patrol supervisors and the Crime Management Unit (CMU) independently of each other also monitor this requirement. In all cases where there is both a CRIS report completed and a linked Merlin report the unique reference numbers will be cross referenced.

2.14 The completion and content of the book 124D is entered onto the CRIS report together with a more detailed explanation of the risk assessment responses as per the SPECSS+ model. The book 124d is then forwarded to the CSU where it is indexed, the unique reference number being entered onto the relevant report. This task is currently undertaken by an officer on recuperative duties attached to the CSU, however MPS volunteers are currently being recruited to perform the task in the future. CSU supervisors ‘dip sample’ the book 124d’s prior to them being filed to ensure they are of the expected standard and any short-fallings are addressed. CRIS reports are checked monthly to ensure all book 124’ds have been received by the CSU, the unique reference number has been entered onto the relevant CRIS report and that they have been supervised correctly.

2.15 The importance of correctly completing the book 124d/PAC’s is stressed by CSU supervisors whilst addressing probationers during their initial induction phase when joining the BOCU. There is also ‘refresher training’ currently in the process of being delivered to all team officers whilst attending Officer Safety Training (OST). It was identified that the quality of reports from Station Reception Officer’s (SRO) was on occasion below the standard expected and this will be an item on the next phase of SRO training which commences in November 2010.

2.16 All Intelligence reports are monitored by the Borough Intelligence Unit. Due to the enhanced search capabilities of the ‘integrated information platform’ (IIP), numerous databases are simultaneously searched therefore any intelligence will be identified without the need to rely on any one particular database. All CSU supervisors have access to IIP. Staff from the Public Protection Desk on the BIU attends the daily PPGM providing intelligence updates.

How does SCD2/ the (B)OCU respond to cases of sexual and/ or domestic violence in which there are police officers or staff involved, or counter-allegations, multiple victims or multiple perpetrators? How many of these are there?

2.17 DV incidents that involve MPS staff as suspects are immediately referred to the local Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) Borough Support Unit and CSU supervisors ensure the DV SOP relating to Police officers/staff is fully adhered to. CRIS reports are identified by ensuring the ‘PE’ flag has been entered and all reports are restricted to minimise the opportunity for unauthorised access. The matter is raised in both the PPGM and the DMM. It is for the DPS or BOCU Commander to consider restrictions/removal from operational duty depending on circumstances.

2.18 The CSU Supervisors inform the DI whenever any MPS employees are involved as victims or suspects in any DV investigation. The DI will monitor and review all such investigations from a managerial support or corporate risk perspective respectively. Where a member of the MPS has been arrested or is a suspect for a DV related matter then a CSU supervisor will be appointed as the investigating officer. If the member of staff was on duty at the time then the matter is investigated by the DPS.

2.19 If it is a criminal matter then the investigation is not affected by the suspect being employed by the Police Service. If the matter is a domestic incident with no offences alleged or identified then the facts are presented to the relevant BOCU Commander as well as the DPS who are responsible for making any decisions around misconduct. There may be certain sensitive/exceptional investigations which are deemed not appropriate for the local CSU to investigate (cases involving officers/staff from the Borough) such incidents could be transferred to a neighbouring CSU for investigation. On completion of the CSU investigation if no criminal proceedings are forthcoming then the DPS will be notified and they will perform a misconduct review on the same evidential material. In certain circumstances a third review will take place by the DPS Prevention and Reduction Team to see if any further preventive work can be done with the officer. The above protocols are replicated by staff within SCD2.

2.20 For staff that experience domestic violence as victim’s similar arrangements apply. The report will generally be restricted. The CSU manager will liaise with the staff member’s line manager or unit head to ensure additional welfare support is offered and that the staff member is regularly updated as per the Victims’ Code of Practice. Managers are also aware of the support provided to employees by the MPS Occupational Health Services, the Police Federation and local IDVA’s.

2.21 Cross allegations are common in DV investigations with little corroborative evidence or information available to investigators. In support of the Primary Investigation of Crime and the DV SOP a high quality initial investigation facilitates a clearer picture of the circumstances. Where such a picture is not clear, careful consideration must be afforded by all investigators and key decisions recorded. Officers are instructed to try to identify primary aggressors at the time of attending incidents and then take positive action. They are instructed that where possible to refrain from arresting both parties at the same time. Recent instructions have been forwarded to all supervisors who were informed to carefully monitor all incidents where cross allegations are made and to ensure the appropriate action is taken. If an investigation involves cross allegations then the Crown Prosecution Service are to be informed at the earliest opportunity.

2.22 Counter allegations in serious sexual assault investigations are not common. In these cases suspects use the case of consent or complete denial rather than suggesting they are victims themselves. Similarly the application of SOP’s in regards to the Primary Investigation of Crime and Sexual Offences determine a need for thoroughness. In the 12 months prior to 30th June 2010 no such cross allegations of sexual offences were made.

2.23 During the reporting period 52 DV criminal allegations were made which involved at least 2 victims. In the reporting period there were no allegations whereby multiple victims alleged they were subjected to serious sexual criminal activity.

2.24 During the reporting period there were 87 DV allegations made which involved at least 2 perpetrators. During the same period there have been 38 SCD2 investigations that have involved multiple offenders; it would appear this is a recording issue around creation of a SUSPECT screen. The SCD2 Intelligence Unit is now fully live and provides analytical research functions and tasking requests in relation to Stranger 1 offences (where the victim and suspect have not had any prior contact), Stranger 2 offences (where the victim and suspect are briefly known to each other), group offences and linked series’.

B3: Partnership working and Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRP)

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

a) London Borough of Westminster

• DV Forum Co-ordinator post £25,000
• MARAC Coordinator post £45,000
• Publicity and Communications £2,000
• Sanctuary Project £31,180.80 (Supporting People Funds)

b) MPS BCU Funding

• DV Advocacy Service £84,666

c) NHS B&D Core Funds

• DV Projects £50,000

d) Government Office for London

• Extra IDVA support and Training £22,000

e) MPA Funding

• Sanctuary delivery £30,000
• Support for delivery of MARAC £20,000

f) GLA Funding

• Rape Crisis Provision (Across North seven London Boroughs until 2011-12) £350,000

g) Supporting People funds

• Eaves Housing for Women for 35 refuge spaces - £371,914.48 per year.
• The total above funding is £681,761.28 (excludes GLA Funding)

Going forward, there is increased risk to the sustainability of many of the funding streams detailed above. Indications are that the following funding streams may no longer exist

• Government Office for London funding
• NHS funds
• MPS BCU funding

Other funding streams are likely to face between 10% and 40% cuts over the next five years. This has identified that it will make it difficult to deliver against some of the key initiatives developed.

3.2 Is domestic violence and sexual violence considered as part of the annual Strategic Assessment? Has domestic and sexual violence been identified as a priority within the Partnership Plan? Are there any CDRP domestic and/ or sexual violence projects in progress?

3.3 Domestic Violence has been considered as part of the current Westminster Strategic Assessment and has been identified as one of the borough priority areas. Serious Sexual Violence is considered part of Serious Violent Crime. Due to the emphasis/protocols placed around dealing with incidents involving domestic violence a decision was made for it not to form part of the control strategy for Westminster Borough however all incidents involving serious violence are, however, it does form a priority theme within the CDRP strategy.

3.4 In September 2008 Westminster introduced a MARAC and a co-ordinator was appointed in 2009. This position is currently funded by the Local Authority. The Westminster MARAC is chaired by the CSU Detective Inspector on a monthly basis however this is currently under review due to recent high caseloads.

3.5 Since inception through to 30th June 2010 there have been 352 referrals, 39 of which were referred by police (11%), although this does appear to be a relatively small number the majority of referrals which came from the IDVA service (Women’s Trust) were police generated. There have been 40 repeat referrals. The MARAC co-ordinator works closely with the Westminster CSU, she initially worked partially from the CSU office having full access to the MPS IT systems however she now can access the systems from City Hall where she is currently located. The MARAC is well attended, as well as representatives from core agencies such as Police, Probation Service, Children Services, NHS and Housing there are representatives from the IDVA service, CMHT, Adult Services, DAAT, DVIP, FRP, VSS and the Kurdish and Middle Eastern Women’s Organisation.

3.6 The success of Westminster’s MARAC is exemplified in the preliminary CAADA Quality Assurance report. It stated that “The Westminster MARAC has been awarded three green and six amber principles, meaning that all or most key aspects of the principle are met. Only one principle was rated as red. This is excellent performance, particularly as a number of principles which are currently rated as less than green are affected by issues that could or are being addressed with relative ease.”

3.7 In the rolling year July 2009-June 2010, 282 cases were reviewed at MARAC. Of these 71.9% of the victims were from the BME community (all ethnicities other than White British).This is substantially higher than the 50.6% of individuals who are from BME communities in Westminster. During that same time period there was only one LGBT case presented at MARAC. A total of 6% of the 282 cases were noted as having a disability and 1.77% of referrals involved a male victim.

3.8 Westminster currently operates a Sanctuary Scheme which is funded through the CDRP. Victim’s who make the decision to remain in their homes and are identified as being at great risk from perpetrators are considered for the Sanctuary Scheme. In 2009/10, 60 referrals were made to the Westminster Sanctuary Scheme resulting in 37 installations. The total cost of the installations was £64,684 plus the additional funding of £30,000 to administer the scheme. Westminster also provides over £85,000 for advocacy support for high risk victims of domestic violence. This is funded alongside Home Office funding that pays for both an additional IDVA and an ISVA within the advocacy service.

3.9 Tackling DV forms an essential part of annual housing planning. During 2010 this focussed on:

• Delivering the housing duties associated with MARAC
• Delivering several training sessions with frontline housing officers
• Mystery shopping of the frontline housing services response to DV scenarios
• Customer satisfaction surveys with clients who presented as homeless due to DV issues
• Managing an information-sharing forum for housing professionals across the City on DV and VAWG issues (including the hostel sector, housing associations and council staff)
• Detailed monthly monitoring and quality assurance around the service delivered to clients who are homeless due to DV
• revising the internal domestic violence procedures
• Contract managing the refuge contract with Eaves
• Completing an audit of all cases where the reason for homelessness was DV to ensure all appropriate referrals to other services (MARAC / Children's Services etc) were completed.

How does the (B)OCU and SCD2 work in partnership with voluntary and statutory sector agencies locally? What training is delivered in partnership with the community?

3.10 The Westminster Domestic Violence Forum (WDVF) convenes every three months and is presently administrated by the WDVF coordinator employed by Westminster Local Authority. The forum is extremely well attended and the training sub group addresses/identifies all ongoing training issues across the borough. The training subgroup are currently involved in delivering training to partner agencies (eg.Health, Education, Local Authority) with plans to involve the group in the training of response team police officers and station reception officers. The group are in the process of facilitating training to Westminster Magistrates involved in the specialist DV courts.

3.11 The MARAC coordinator has been instrumental in delivering training to number of external agencies including education, health, local authority housing officers and a number of other support groups. Part of the coordinators role is to not only promote the Westminster MARAC but to deliver training specifically around the current risk assessment framework.

Are there any police or partnership initiatives to tackle Violence Against Women? E.g. looking at trafficking and/or prostitution, sexual exploitation of girls in gangs, forced marriage, etc.

3.12 The Safer Westminster Partnership (SWP) placed violence against women and girls as a priority theme in its strategy 2008-11. Specifically, the SWP set the target to increase sanctioned detection rate, reduce repeat victimisation and increase referrals to support services. In line with this, the Violence against Women and Girls strategic group was established. This group has an established action plan that was developed following on from a two part in-depth needs assessment. All actions are targeted towards one of the following three strands;

• PREVENTION: Raising awareness, education and training. Challenging attitudes and perceptions
• PROVISION: Effective provision of services, advice and support, emergency and acute services, refuges and safe accommodation.
• JUSTICE and PROTECTION: investigation, prosecution, victim support and protection, perpetrator programmes.

3.13 The Borough is examining the new ACPO/Home Office Project Acumen report with interest and is aware of the extent to which the borough may be vulnerable to human trafficking, in particular as a hub through which it is likely that a number of trafficked victims might pass. This risk is being mitigated by the following:

• Prompt action taken by Safer Neighbourhoods Teams when informed about critical incidents involving the presence of trafficked victims and children in brothel premises.
• Regular involvement of SNT’s in prostitution related activity such as brothel visits, street prostitution initiatives and activity designed to drive down demand, such as action against sex worker carding and advertising.
• Support for the attendance of one of the SOHO SNT sergeants at recent NPIA tactical adviser training, thereby creating a specialist capacity on the borough.
• Representation at the quarterly SCD9 Human Exploitation and Organised Crime Borough Prostitution Strategy Forum, at which the borough is represented by the partnership Inspector and the Soho SNT Inspector. This is an opportunity to consult with others, absorb best practice and seek support from proactive units who can support Westminster teams.
• Recognition that victims of all forms of trafficking are likely to present themselves at police stations for assistance. Advice regarding appropriate training for reception officers is being sought. This is currently being recommended to form part of the next training cycle.

B4: Work with victims and communities

 How does 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?

4.1 Close liaisons are presently in existence between all partner agencies and as such a development of good professional relationships has built up. During the regular meetings specific cases can be discussed where any short fallings/feedback highlighted. Recently Westminster BOCU set up a specific email mailbox and partner agencies were asked to promote the address and inform victims to highlight any issues/concerns they identified (victim satisfaction, quality of investigation, victim updates). This system has only recently implemented and therefore feedback is still limited.

4.2 The Women’s Trust and Victim Support Service have forged a very strong working partnership with the police in Westminster and regular informal meetings are held. Managers from both the Women’s Trust and VSS deliver presentations at CSU training days during which they provide feedback about the quality of service and support provided by investigating officers. All members have been pro-active in developing strategic and operational links to ensure DV referrals receive a rapid and professional support service.

4.3 The cases brought before the MARAC can often provide a ‘snapshot’ of the quality of service provided, however it is acknowledged that dependence on such informal processes is far from ideal. Specific cases where poor service has been provided are brought to the attention of the CSU DI. He takes individual responsibility of addressing any perceived failings, promoting learning and best practice at every opportunity. Where such practices are identified, positive or negative, experiences are shared between agencies and other MPS departments, primarily at a monthly CSU DI’s meeting. VCOP officers attached to the Westminster CMU are instructed not to call DV victims as this is always the responsibility of a CSU investigating officer. Once again if any short-fallings or issues are identified they are brought to the attention of the CSU DI who acts accordingly.

4.4 Local Authority Housing conducts annual customer satisfaction survey with clients who presented as homeless due to DV issues. This addresses issues such as whether the client is feeling safer and whether they received appropriate support at the time of the incident. Issues identified during this annual exercise inform the annual quality improvement plan on DV for housing. Results of this are fed back to the Westminster Domestic Violence Forum (WDVF).

4.5 The Phoenix group is a group attended by Westminster residents who are survivors of domestic violence. The police (CSU) provide women with the group coordinators contact details, enabling women to self refer. The women can access support and information on life and other options after fleeing a violent relationship but also provide accurate feedback on the level of service they have received from all agencies involved. The Phoenix group is also represented on the Westminster Domestic Violence Forum enabling service users to provide feedback on policy and strategy development within Westminster.

4.6 Westminster BOCU has a specific DV repeat victimisation policy outside that of the generic MPS policy. All repeat victims’s for DV who have been a victim within the last five years are identified and the RA flag is added to the report, this is checked daily by CSU supervisors and forms part of the supervisor’s template. When a repeat victim is identified a further DASH 2 risk assessment must be completed and the investigator must also assess whether a case is suitable for referral to the MARAC. It is expected that the victim receives an enhanced level of service and stringent measures are in place to prevent any further incidents.

4.7 During the reporting period victim satisfaction questionnaires were available to victims of rape over 16 years of age as part of the SOIT exit strategy. Monitoring of the forms is through CRIS flagging and on a spreadsheet maintained by the SCD2 DI. Questionnaires are handed to victims and left with them to be completed and returned anonymously in a pre-paid envelope to the Strategic Research Unit. The aim of the questionnaire is not to monitor the quality of the investigation, but to measure the victim’s perception of being kept informed, how they were dealt with throughout the criminal justice process and their dealings with Police, Havens and Courts. Generic operational feedback is then fed back to SCD2 centrally and passed to clusters at monthly SMT / DI meetings.

4.8 The Haven request feedback from their clients and this information is shared with the Police. This has proved to be effective in cases where a victim reports concerns about advice given by SOIT staff. Communication between Haven staff and the SCD2 Continual Improvement Team (CIT) identifies possible training needs which are subsequently fed into the SOIT training cycle and staff updates. A quality of service report (QSR) process exists between the Havens and MPS. This is designed to provide the best possible service for those who have been sexually assaulted and is used to pass on comments on any quality of service issues (both good and bad) between the organisations.

How does the (B)OCU and SCD2 ensure compliance with the Victims Code of Practice and that victims are provided with regular updates on cases and informed quickly of any changes or decisions (particularly those which may impact on their safety e.g. release on bail)?

4.9 The Victim Focus Unit from the Westminster CMU deal specifically with VCOP compliance across the borough. However investigators from the CSU undertake VCOP compliance with all victims of domestic violence. The CMU and Management Information Unit (MIU) conduct VCOP performance reviews on all crime types including DV. The results of these reviews are forwarded to relevant supervisors, all data involving DV is forwarded to the CSU DI. Compliance issues are dealt with during the course of the weekly CSU supervisors meeting and compliance is currently a performance objective for all CSU investigators. Westminster BOCU has become highly compliant in this area presently 98%.

4.10 Best practice across Westminster promotes victim contact at the first opportunity, with detailed updates always being provided. During DV investigations it has been identified that decisions relating to arrest, charge or the bailing of alleged perpetrators impacts on ongoing risk assessments. Continued review of risk is carried out by the investigator and supervisor and commonly the victim’s views and wishes may form part of that decision-making process. In all cases involving DV the Criminal Justice Unit ensure the investigating officer is immediately informed of any change of circumstances to cases they are involved in and the victim is then immediately updated. Recent communication with the Prison Intelligence Unit has ensured that upon release details of all suspects in custody for DV related matters are immediately sent via email to the Westminster CSU. As soon as practicable the victim is updated regarding the impending release.

4.11 In cases of Sexual Violence investigated by SCD2, a SOIT officer is deployed to the victim and is responsible for regular updates, recording contact in the SOIT log, the victim page and the DETS page of the relevant CRIS report. SCD2 VCOP performance is monitored by the SCD2 CMU. Details of updates identified as being due are circulated to SCD2 teams at the beginning of each week as a reminder for officers. Identified VCOP failures are then sent to the SCD2 DI at the end of the week for follow up. Compliance with VCOP flagging following updates has been identified locally as an area for improvement. The SOIT coordinator has been tasked with monitoring performance and compliance is to be included as a SOIT officer PDR objective in the coming year. Where a SOIT officer is not available and an important update is required these are given by the investigating officer or their supervisor.

How does the (B)OCU and SCD2 build trust and confidence with hard-to-reach communities, particularly around sensitive cultural issues such as forced marriage and ‘honour’-based violence?

4.12 The Westminster Equalities and Diversity Unit have forged close links with both the CSU and SCD2 at Westminster. Any DV crimes that have links to the six strands of Diversity are flagged to the unit who make contact with a victim and provide additional support or access to services or help groups. The unit also provides access to advocacy services through external providers (ie the Swish Project for Transsexual sex workers)

4.13 Westminster BOCU has a dedicated team of LGBT Liaison Officers (LO’s), who maintain regular contact with CSU and SCD2 investigators. Westminster has a fairly high proportion of gay residents; however it is members of the gay community who visit Central London socially that are predominantly the victim of DV/Serious Sexual related offences. The LGBT officers provide advice and support in all forms of Hate Crime not only offences aggravated by homophobia but those offences between couples involved in same sex relationships. LGBT LO’s frequently attend pubs and clubs frequented by gay couples offering advice and support around DV/Sexual offences. Leaflet drops take place in focused areas, in particular clubs such as Heaven and GAYE where it has been identified that a high proportion of DV related offences occur.

4.14 The Equalities and Diversity Unit work closely with Galop (LGBT) and Swish (Transsexual Sex Workers) charities as a third party reporting mechanism for reporting hate crime. Historically this has seen a number of cases involving people in same sex relationships being reported directly to the unit. Such cases involving DV are flagged to the CSU.

4.15 The Equalities and Diversity Unit in partnership with the Professional Standards Unit are currently rolling out pan-borough awareness training to front-line officers and staff on working with the transgender community. There may be scope during phase two of the roll out to incorporate / produce a package on same sex DV.

4.16 Work is currently being undertaken with management at the Regents Park Mosque. A number of seminars have been suggested highlighting issues around both DV and HBV. The management from the mosque are looking to promote third party reporting through the staff. The Equalities and Diversity Unit are working with Westminster City Council around the logistics of developing a social inclusion program, utilising the Westminster Training Unit for advice on the actual content.

4.17 During the reporting period there have been 17 HBV and 2 FM matters reported to Westminster Police. All instances are reviewed carefully and generally referred to MARAC, ensuring a detailed and multi-skilled approach. Good working relationships have developed between the CSU, Forced Marriage Unit at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the UK Borders and Immigration Agency as well as local partners arising from specific cases (Kurdish and Middle Eastern Women’s Organisation, Al-Aman/DVIP).

4.18 To date the MARAC has dealt with upwards of 5 counts of ‘Honour-Based’ Violence, 2 cases of Forced Marriage and one count of Female Genital Mutilation.

4.19 In the last financial year the partnership organized two training events for officers on FGM, HBV, forced marriage and forced veiling. This training was delivered by the Ashiana Network and was attended by individuals from across the partnership. The aim of this training was to raise awareness of the issues and to ensure officers had some awareness of cultural and religious differences. Specifically, this training targeted those officers who currently sit on the MARAC as this is where many of these cases are being discussed.

B5: Organisational improvement

Where there have been recommendations from homicide reviews or serious case reviews, what are they and how have they been implemented?

5.1 Between 1st July 2009 and 30th June 2010 there have been no DV homicides on Westminster Borough. There have therefore been no homicide reviews.

How have close working practices been maintained between SCD2 and the (B)OCU?

5.2 SCD2 are currently located within Marylebone Police Station working directly alongside the Westminster CSU. Its locality has proved to be beneficial both for officers dealing with initial allegations of rape and for seeking advice. Having both units located in the same building has facilitated good working relationships between officers from the two units. The majority of SCD2 supervisors and SOIT officers were recruited from Westminster BOCU and thus relationships have been easily maintained and developed. When SCD2 was implemented much liaison took place between managers from the respective business areas. A SCD2 supervisor attends the PPGM when necessary and provides details/updates of all current/overnight investigations. Any short-fallings in the initial investigation are highlighted and brought to the DMM.

5.3 This relationship has continued, allowing transparency and mutual assistance is provided where necessary. This has been particularly important where allegations of rape flagged as DV related have been alleged, the good relationship has ensured victim service is maintained, irrespective of who conducts that initial service. There is close co-operation at DI level between SCD2 and the Westminster BOCU, especially those who work in the CSU and CID. Weekly meetings are held between supervisors from the CSU and SCD2 enhancing information sharing.

Where there have been cases of ‘honour’-based Violence, has the HBV Action Plan proved fit for purpose? If not, how could it be improved?

5.4 During the reporting period there were 17 reports of honour-based violence and 2 of forced marriage reported within Westminster borough. The reported crimes range from Threats to Kill to false imprisonment, harassment and assault.

5.6 Any incidents reported to police involving either HBV or FM are investigated in accordance with the MPS SOP. Advice is always sought from the Violent Crime Directorate to ensure everything possible is done to ensure the victim’s safety. These include use of police protection, emergency accommodation and referrals to specialist HBV partners.

5.7 The current training cycle for response team officers includes a four hour training package centred on HBV. Supervisors from the CSU attend each training day providing both input and advice to the attendees. Due to the increasing numbers of incidents involving HBV the training was considered vitally important and the CSU DI is currently looking to implement a specific action plan around the investigation of cases involving HBV or FM on Westminster.

5.8 All reports of HBV are considered for a referral to the MARAC where all partner agencies discuss and try to reduce the risk to the victims. In a number of cases there had to be joint action in measures to safeguard the victim such as emergency accommodation. The multi agency approach has assisted and expedited the process for permanent re-housing outside of the area of risk.

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

5.9 The Westminster Public Protection Desk consists of a DI who also has responsibility for other areas of Public Protection, one Police Sergeant and six Police Constables. The PPD work to the Safeguarding Children SOP and form an integral part of the Westminster Public Protection Group. The PPD supervisor attends the daily PPGM and any matters of high risk are highlighted. The supervisor liaises with CSU supervisors to ensure PAC’s have been completed in all DV related matters were children are involved making sure the unique reference number has been added to the report.

5.10 Officers from the PPD frequently meet with the Duty and Assessment Desk from Children’s Services ensuring all information is shared. Officers attend case conferences for all cases which are particularly high risk. The supervisor regularly attends meetings with SCD5.

5.11 The working relationship between the PPD, CSU, SCD5 and Children’s Services has been a particular success the conduit of information is extremely good and all cases which are high risk are identified at an early opportunity and safety measures are put in place at the occasion.

What single improvement do the BOCU think the Metropolitan Police Service could make which would greatly improve the response to a) domestic and b) sexual violence locally?

5.12 At this time there is a difference between Police and CPS performance targets around DV and there appears to be no standard measure of gauging DV victim satisfaction. (Victim questionnaires are submitted by SCD2). On many occasions positive intervention such as a MARAC referral goes someway to enhancing the quality of life for survivors whilst not necessarily resulting in the prosecution of perpetrators. The CPS targets around conviction rates do not necessarily correlate with providing an enhanced service for victims of DV. The protocol around ‘victimless prosecutions’ for DV is in place yet the number of cases still continue to be extremely low.

5.13 The key to effective investigation of sexual offences is having sufficient staff to deliver the standard of service and investigation laid out in the Serious Sexual Offences SOP. Westminster initially suffered a reduction in staff when the new SCD2 command replaced the TP Sapphire team. However this has been recognised by the management board not only for CW but for the whole of the SCD2 command and additional staff are now being recruited.

What do you think the MPA Domestic and Sexual Violence Board and its Members could do to help or support SCD2 / the (B)OCU in dealing with domestic and/or sexual violence?

5.14 Highlighted below are four issues which it is thought the MPA Domestic and Violence Board could possibly assist with :-

• Pressure to highlight the risks that financial cuts/restrictions in the DV field would bring.
• Clearer guidelines around prosecuting perpetrators of DV where a victim is reluctant to attend court.
• Questioning if performance targets for sanctioned detections (rape and DV) improve the quality of victim service? The ACPO definition which identifies a DV victim as being 18 or over should be reviewed.
• Looking for alternative methods to try to break the ‘DV cycle’.

C: Author: DI Kevin Armstrong

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