Hounslow report

Report: 2
Report for the Domestic and Sexual Violence Board
Date: 16 November 2010

Part A: Data, is available as a PDF

B1: Report for the Domestic and Sexual Violence Board

1.1 Hounslow Borough currently has a Community Safety Unit (CSU) which investigates all allegations of hate crime including domestic violence. SCD2 have a unit located in Hounslow 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 Main CID office. Hounslow Borough reflects the current MPS delivery model in relation to the investigation of domestic and sexual violence. Both units were co-located until recently, but close consultation continues to maintain the close working relationship.

1.2 Hounslow CSU exceeded both Sanctioned Detection and Arrest rate targets for 2009/10 for domestic violence offences. This financial year the CSU are currently achieving 42% Sanction Detection rate, the target is 47%. The current arrest rate is 75.3% which is just below the target of 77%. SCD2 performance targets are concentrated on stranger 1 and stranger 2 rapes. To date in this performance year SCD2 have a sanction detection rate of 16.3 %.
B2: Policy compliance and quality assurance

How does the BOCU 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?

2.1 Hounslow BOCU uses the MPS Domestic Violence Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as its mandate for risk assessment and risk management tools. Our use of book 124d clearly outlines the minimum levels of risk assessment using the DASH model. The first officer is then encouraged to use the ‘RARA’ model (remove/avoid/reduce/accept the risk) to manage the risks identified. All reports are subject to an initial review by the officer’s supervisor. This process undergoes a daily Quality Assurance (QA) check by CSU supervisors, and at the Daily Management Meeting (DMM). Any non compliance is dealt with robustly via line managers and overseen by the C/I Operations. As a result of a new Metcall SOP around emergency calling priority, the overall volume of I (Immediate) calls has reduced and an assumed target of 60 minutes is given to S (Significant) grades, which are considered less urgent. With this and an increased focus in DMM we have improved our I grade performance from 50% to 71% during the relevant period (the MPS target is 75%) and our average attendance time for domestic I calls is now an average of 13 minutes, one minute outside the MPS target.

2.2 This Borough has a designated Domestic Violence Court (see 3.10 below) and in order to support the court, and in line with Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) policy, Hounslow has had a CPS co-ordinator and specialist DV lawyer since May 2009. The CSU, working in partnership with the CPS dedicated DV lawyer, aim to increase both sanction detection rates and successful prosecutions, including victimless prosecutions where possible.

SCD2

2.3 All investigations undertaken by SCD2 are subject to an initial risk assessment and risk management plan by the on duty Detective Sergeant (DS) conducting the 10-18 hour review as per SCD2 SOP. If the allegation is domestic violence the DS will ensure that a SPECSS+ has been completed and entered onto the crime report. For all allegations of serious sexual violence a SOIT (Sexual Offence Investigation Techniques) officer is assigned within the hour and is expected to conduct a thorough risk assessment and implement the risk management plan utilising RARA. SCD2 liaise closely with the IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) to assist in the risk management and possible referrals for example; to MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) or Sanctuary project. The SCD2 intelligence unit conducts daily reviews of all sexual offences reported to police for the previous 24 hour period, any cases identified as high risk are discussed at the SCD2 Daily Management Meeting (DMM) where required actions are raised and closely monitored on the case tracker which is placed on the SCD2 shared drive. Risk assessments are subject to ongoing reviews by supervisors at 10 hour (DS), 7 day (DI), 28 days (DCI). High risk or incidents of critical community concern will be discussed at the BOCU DMM and where appropriate the SCD DI attends to brief the BOCU on the progress of the investigation and to possibly request assistance.

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?

2.4 See 2.1 above which details our use of the MPS SOP around completion of DASH model. Our QA process examines MERLIN/CRIMINT compliance. Our Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) to Crime Recording Information System (CRIS) ratio (this is the amount of calls made to police compared to the amount that get recorded as a crime) for the relevant time period was 80.4%; this was in keeping with the MPS average. The Arrest rate for the same time period was 77%. This was above the MPS target.

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?

2.5 During the relevant time period Hounslow BOCU has had two police officers identified as perpetrators of domestic violence. In all incidents involving MPS employees, the CSU supervisors ensure they comply with the MPS DV SOP; which gives clear directions on how to manage both victims and perpetrators that are employed by the MPS. Both officers are currently restricted duties and have been managed by the DPS (Directorate of Professional Standards) in accordance with MPS SOP ‘Managing Restricted and Suspended officers’. The BOCU has very good links with its’ local DPS.

2.6 During the relevant period Hounslow BOCU has had one member of Police Staff who has been victim of domestic violence. As in 2.5 above the relevant SOP is adhered to in these circumstances and welfare support managed appropriately.

2.7 CSU supervisors ensure that they comply with the MPS DV SOP which gives clear guidance on dealing with counter allegations and staff are trained to investigate fully and where possible to refrain from arresting both parties.

2.8 For the relevant period the BOCU suggests that 19.5% of all DV cases are repeat victims, this is a reduction of about 2% from the previous 12 months. However, repeat victim identification is difficult to accurately gauge from a generic Cris search, (particularly since the RV flag was removed), for example it relies on the victim's first name and surname being spelt in a consistent way or if two victims have the same first name and surname, then they will be shown as a repeat (i.e. over count). CSU staff conduct a five year search on both victim and suspect to identify any incident involving either, regardless of whether it is linked to DV.

SCD2

2.9 SCD2 has investigated 2 allegations of rape that have involved serving police officers, one from the Metropolitan Police and one from Thames Valley Police. The investigation is not affected by the fact the suspect is employed by the Police. Consideration is given to restricting the CRIS to those involved in the investigation only. A referral will always be made to the DPS and the management team of the officer concerned. Throughout a recent investigation into the MPS employee that resulted in a charge and is currently awaiting trial, there was close liaison throughout the investigation between SCD2, DPS, IPCC, CPS and Press Bureau

2.10 Counter allegations in serious sexual assault are rare and there have been no such allegations investigated by SCD2 during this reporting period.

2.11 In the reporting period there have been four allegations of multiple offender sexual assaults on single victims. In one case the victim was unwilling to assist police in the investigation, in the three remaining reports suspects have been arrested and the enquiries continue pending referral to the London Rape Charging Centre (LRCC). In two cases the victims have been under 16 years old. To ensure that the victims are fully supported in each case Strategy meetings are arranged to provide any support required in a multi agency approach. Multi perpetrator offences are by default, categorised as high risk and complex by the SCD 2 investigation team and as such obtain an enhanced level of resources and supervision.

2.12 At the commencement of any serious sexual assault investigation, full research is conducted on all parties. In particular a 5 year CRIS search is carried out to identify whether the victim has previously reported similar offences. During the relevant period three repeat victims have been identified on Hounslow’s Borough. All three are potentially vulnerable individuals who are now receiving the necessary support required through partners such as Social Services, Crisis Workers, Haven, and the Mental Health Trust. SCD2 maintains a spreadsheet of all serious sexual assault allegations for Hounslow Borough to easily monitor reported crimes and to identify repeat victimisation.

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

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

3.1 For the period 1st June 2009 to 30 June 2010 a total amount of £179,869 from the CDRP budget was dedicated to domestic and sexual violence. The funding was used for DV raising awareness sessions, sexual violence focus groups, printing of DV leaflets, funding for Hounslow Domestic Violence Outreach Service (post). Joint reward money for domestic violence work was awarded over a two year period (£397,000) to the police and Local Authority for the good work achieved around domestic violence. Police received (£198,000) and contributed 60% of the total cost of the IDVA, with the Local Authority contributing the remaining 40%. Currently alternative sources of funding for the IDVA and HDVOS are being explored. For further details of IDVA see 3.6 below.

Are 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?

3.2 Domestic Violence has been part of the annual Strategic Assessment during the relevant period and continues to be for the current year.

3.3 Hounslow Community Safety Partnership (CSP) has had a long term commitment to reducing domestic violence whilst at the same time encouraging victims to report offences and to provide them with focused support. The CSP supports a broad range of stakeholder groups targeting issues related to domestic violence. It is part of the Community Safety Strategy to reduce DV and to support two specific LAA targets namely NI 32 the reduction of repeat victimisation in cases referred to MARAC and NI 15 to reduce the serious violence crime rate. NI 32 in 2009/2010 stood at 14%, year to date it is 16%. NI 15 both for 2009/2010 and year to date shows a 17% reduction.

3.4 Current action is being undertaken to increase the number of referrals to MARAC especially from partner agencies. This has successfully delivered twice the level of referrals to the panel. The overall reduction of RV has yet to be delivered and the focus must now be upon more active management of risk if the reduction target is to be achieved whilst also increasing the volume of referrals.

3.5 The Community Safety Team within the Local Authority is currently developing a Multi Agency Violence against Women and Girls Strategy which should be rolled out form 1st April 2011. This will look at the broader violence against women arena and include domestic violence and also trafficking, people involved in prostitution, female genital mutilation etc. This strategy will support the Home Office VAWG strategy but essentially it will be a Community Safety Partnership Strategy. The CSP partners currently fund 3 domestic violence outreach workers as outlined below.

3.6 The CSP initially funded one IDVA and one Outreach Worker post. September 2009 saw the appointment of an additional IDVA funded through VSS to work in Feltham Magistrates Court and support the dedicated Domestic Violence Court. Both IDVAs are jointly funded by LAA reward grant money which is split between Police and Local Authority. This funding is secure until March 2011, however, no further LAA reward grant money will be released and no other funding streams are apparent, which leaves the future of the workers uncertain. The Outreach worker within the CSU has funding secured until August 2011. Again, at this time any further funding is in question. The IDVA and Outreach worker roles are key to the management of high risk victims and support staff in their core functions, and the loss of both the IDVA and Outreach Workers posts would have a serious impact on service provision to vulnerable victims. The IDVA and Outreach Worker work within the CSU office and are an integral part of the CSU team, having forged effective links with partnership agencies.

How do the BOCU and SCD2 work in partnership with voluntary and statutory sector agencies locally? What training is delivered in partnership with the community?

3.7 MARAC has been in place since 2006 in the borough. The MARAC co-ordinator has and continues to be involved in promoting and encouraging referrals from all concerned agencies. The current Detective Inspector (Chair) of MARAC, together with the Local Authority and IDVA have identified a number of concerns regarding the current MARAC process, including minutes, referral process, and meeting format. In order to ensure effective risk management, a working party has been set up and is due to present its recommendations to the MARAC meeting in December with a view to implementing changes in January 2011. Changes in the minutes have already been introduced, which clearly highlight risk areas, actions arising and agency responsible with completion deadlines. In the relevant period 221 cases were referred to MARAC. Within this figure there were 31 repeat referrals, however it should be noted these reflect a 12 month rolling period; i.e. some cases shown as repeat could initially have been referred as early as June 2008.

3.8 The Domestic Violence Policy Group was set up in 2010; quarterly meetings are attended by managers of DV agencies, support services, Police and Local Authority Community Safety Team. The purpose of this group is to improve our multi-agency approach in tackling domestic violence and to ensure that performance targets are met.

3.9 There are a number of other multi-agency initiatives within the borough, such as: Domestic Violence Network Meeting, Domestic Violence Housing Group, DOVES, (Domestic Violence & Substance Misuse Group), Domestic Violence Court Sub Group, Domestic Violence Agency Group. The borough is well supported by a variety of third sector voluntary agencies. All services are DV specific as sexual violence is not part of the strategic assessment.

3.10 This Borough has had a designated Domestic Violence Court, accredited (Ministry Of Justice) since September 2009 and this was successfully promoted within the local press at the time. This process is currently under review in order to identify success and AFIs. However, since this court has been sitting the feedback via the IDVA is that victims feel better supported.

3.11 The IDVAs work closely with the Sanctuary Scheme, and from June 2009 to June 2010 there were approx 31 Sanctuary referrals – broken down as 18 installations. The Sanctuary Scheme is funded by the CSP and the total budget allocated for 2009-201 was £20k and this has been exceeded; reflecting the need to support victims.

3.12 The CSP and the MARAC Co-Coordinator have delivered bespoke training to staff and agencies across the Borough to facilitate increased reporting of DV. The CSP are planning to roll out a training programme for translators, employed or sub-contracted by the local authority. This is in response to an identified need to increase understanding of DV across cultural boundaries, and to highlight the importance and relevance that all dialogue is translated in its entirety.

3.13 Tackling DV forms an essential part of the annual housing plan and a new DV Housing Policy and Procedure has been developed in consultation with partners and is to be ratified by the Local Authority in the near future.

SCD2

3.14 SCD2 work closely with Haven, VSS and CPS. A monthly meeting is held between the CPS and SCD2 to discuss ongoing cases and cases that require early advice. Following a charging decision by the London Rape Charging Centre the cases are referred back to the local CPS to progress the matter to trial. This includes feedback from the prosecuting Barristers of all court cases to ensure that good and bad practice is identified and lessons learnt. SOIT officers have a good knowledge of local agencies and projects and if appropriate will provide contact details for the most appropriate to the victims needs. SOIT have utilised Refuge, Southall Black Sisters, Broken Rainbow and local GP’s. SCD2 have close working links with Victim Support Scheme and Respond and have invited members to the SCD2 office meeting to increase the team’s awareness of their organisations.

3.15 The SOIT initial course which is over four weeks aims to secure the confidence and trust of the victims of rape and serious sexual assault offences, to gather evidence and information from the victim with integrity to provide care, support and information in a sensitive and compassionate manner and to ensure that victims are given information about support agencies and that referrals are made to The Havens, Victim Support Service and other agencies in accordance with the victim’s wishes. All staff at SCD2 attend a bespoke one week course, where there is input from various support agencies; in addition SOIT officers are attending SOIT seminars where they have obtained input from ‘Respond’ who support elderly and vulnerable victims who have learning difficulties.

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

3.16 As mentioned earlier; the principle Community Safety Team within the Local Authority are currently researching and writing ‘Violence against Women and Girls Strategy’, which is due out in April 2011 (see 3.5).

3.17 Within the relevant period our research shows the BOCU had 14 reported incidents of Forced Marriage (FM), an increase of four from the previous year. With regard to Honour Based Violence (HBV) we had 6 reported incidents in the relevant period, a decrease of 2 from the previous year. The CSU suspect this figure does not accurately reflect the true volume of such incidents within the Borough, and intend to raise the issue of HBV and FM at the next DV Policy Group Meeting to identify multi agency service provision gaps and develop a cohesive response to this.

In order to increase awareness and encourage accurate reporting, in the BOCU (as it is essential these incidents are flagged), CSU staff have undergone non-mandatory Home Office e-learning around these issues. A further knowledge gap identified across the BOCU has been addressed to help front line staff recognise the difference between forced and arranged marriage, and the necessity of alerting appropriately skilled staff at the earliest opportunity. This has been reinforced in the current bespoke CSU training being disseminated across the BOCU.
B4: Work with victims and communities

How does the BOCU 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 In line with MPS policy, the User Satisfaction Survey (USS) and the Public Attitude Survey are not used to obtain feedback from victims of domestic violence or sexual violence. However, feedback, either positive or negative is provided by the IDVA and Outreach Worker to the CSU DI and highlighted as good practice or areas for improvement where necessary. Issues raised by victims and practitioners can be addressed during any of the multi agency meetings attended as listed above in 3.7 - 3.9. Generally, the feedback is positive, e.g., the IDVA reported positive comments from a victim, regarding an investigation which had concluded where the CSU officer continues to provide safeguarding and risk management advice to the victim. However, where necessary we take corrective action; for example, a victim lived abroad yet felt at risk from the perpetrator in the UK, and was unhappy about perceived inaction. This was assessed as standard risk, due to the distance between both parties; however, a need for positive action was identified and taken.

SCD2

4.2 Victim satisfaction questionnaires are available to victims of rape over 16 years of age as part of the SOIT exit strategy, if under 16 then a parent or guardian is provided with the form if appropriate. There is a CRIS flag to enable compliance monitoring. DI always checks compliance on submission of General Registry dockets requesting case closure. Questionnaires are handed or sent to victims at the conclusion of the investigation, following charging decision and at the conclusion of the court process. Once completed they are 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.

4.3 A quality of service report (QSR) process exists between the Havens and MPS and is used to pass on comments on any quality of service issues (both good and bad) between the organisations. SCD2 have also received positive feedback from Eaves through the SCD2 Policy and Partnership unit. This relates to an allegation of rape that had initially been made anonymously to The Haven. Social Services, Haven, Community Mental Health Team and Eaves were fully supporting the victim. The victim was known to self harm and Haven and Eaves had grave concerns. SCD2 immediately conducted enquiries and expeditiously located victim who was safe and well. A letter was sent to SCD2 thanking the DS who dealt with this incident for ‘going that extra mile to be supportive’.

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)?

4.4 The BOCU is fully compliant with Victims Code of Practice (VCOP), and our commitment to this is illustrated in our performance which was 99% in June 2010, an improvement on the previous year. Compliance with VCOP forms part of each CSU officer’s personal objectives.

4.5 The CSU have implemented a local practice whereby the BIU (Borough Intelligence Unit) who manage the Prisoner Intelligence Notification System (PINS), inform CSU supervisors when a DV offender is due to be released from prison, so that revised risk management processes can be put in place, and the victim kept informed. Appropriate cases have been referred and managed through MAPPA process, (both level 2 and 3) where there is good multi-agency attendance and commitment.

4.6 The BOCU and CSP have undertaken a wide range of initiatives to inform ‘hard to reach’ communities of the DV services available. These include stalls at community events and publicity campaigns. (See 4.9 below).

SCD2

4.7 SCD2 monitors VCOP compliance. The majority of entries will be completed by the SOIT officers as they have the responsibility of remaining in contact with and supporting and updating the victims of sexual assault. In addition to updating the VCOP pages, the SOIT is also responsible for updating the SOIT logs, dets, and action pages with any relevant update or progression in the investigation. If SOIT is unavailable then the expectation is that the IO will complete the necessary actions. Compliance is also monitored by SCD2 supervisors conducting the seven day ongoing supervision and by the DI conducting 28 day reviews.

How do the BOCU and SCD2 build trust and confidence with hard to reach communities, particularly around sensitive cultural issues such as forced marriage and honour-based violence?

4.8 During the relevant period the CSU had an officer who took on additional responsibility to overview LGBT issues for both the unit and the Borough. All DV same sex incidents were brought to the attention of this officer, which allowed appropriate referrals to supporting agencies to be offered, such as OutWest and Broken Rainbows. The officer also attended LGBT forums, and partnership meetings, to encourage reporting and awareness of the services offered by the CSU. One such initiative to encourage reporting of any incidents by the LGBT community resulted in a reporting pod being installed in a local LGBT Public House. This officer has now left the CSU and has been replaced by the deputy rep, who will continue this work. The borough has recently recruited four other officers who have volunteered to be LBGT reps; they will work together, in conjunction with the CSU to share this particular role and workload.

4.9 Hounslow was fortunate to be a Prevent Project Pilot site. Whilst its primary objective was to prevent violent extremism, its method was to seek out hard to reach groups. We were aware that the substantially expanded Somali community had particular challenges around engagement. Prevent provided us with the opportunity to reach out to Somalian women, other Muslim groups and then to a broader range of women’s groups as a means to engender community confidence, engagement and inclusion. Some of the secondary benefits of this outreach work were around domestic violence and informing women of our services, and our links with community organisations. Some examples of Prevent work are; in partnership with the LA Community Cohesion Office, organising and hosting an International Women’s Day event, a DV project with EACH (Ethnic Alcohol Counselling in Hounslow), regular meetings with the Somali Ladies group in Brentford, Isleworth and Hounslow, and input to Volunteers services. A forthcoming Hounslow Borough wide event, again in partnership with the LA is ‘The Celebration of Interfaith Week’ is to be held in November.
4.10 The majority of officers on SCD2 have worked in specialist units for Sexual Offences, Child Protection or Domestic Violence prior to the implementation of SCD2 so have established relations with and knowledge of local support agencies and ‘Non Government Organisations’. An LGBT liaison officer has been appointed within SCD2.

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 There were no domestic violence homicides in this reporting period.

How have close working practices been maintained between SCD2 and the BOCU?

5.2 Joint working between Hounslow and SCD2 is very good. It assists the BOCU that the CSU and SCD2 were co-located at Vista House Cranford. Feedback on the Boroughs golden hour response to SCD2 level 1 and 2 sex offences is very good and initial action by patrol officers in two cases this year have led to the arrest of stranger rapists. The first a stranger attack in a Feltham park; the second was actually arrested by a Metropolitan Special Constabulary (MSC) officer as a result of enquiries he followed up.

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?

5.3 The investigation of a domestic violence and abduction case between Hounslow and SCD has recently been reviewed by TP CIAT (Critical Incident Advisory Team) Review Team. The report is in its final stages and will be reviewed by a joint gold review group but it has raised issues from which there can be organisation learning including holistic case management; dynamic and ongoing risk assessment; agreement of HBV minimum investigation standards and issues with regard to language and mental health.

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

5.4 Functions within the Public Protection desk model are located at Vista House, Hounslow and Chiswick. The geographic split does cause some management difficulties but the daily review of public protection within the DMM has ensured that they remain a high priority for the BOCU. An additional co-ordinating meeting has been set up by the DCI with his PPD managers to ensure that longer term organisational issues are managed. Within the Borough there is good interagency co-operation especially around PACS and DV with local social services. A recent inspection by OFSTED found our joint working to be good which is also the case for MISPER investigation compliance.

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?

5.5 Within regard to an MPS improvement objective as a result of the HBV review, consideration needs to be given to instruction for the holistic management of repeat victimisation series and the handover between a Borough and SCD. This will be picked up in the gold review meeting.

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?

5.6 To move away from culture of performance statistics such as Sanctioned Detections; SCD 2 is a victim focused unit, often victims do not report offences in order to obtain justice or even have the suspect arrested. All cases are investigated objectively and led by the evidence and public interest. Disposal decisions are made in consultation with the CPS and the victims willingness to support a case (by making a statement and/or supporting a trial) are taken into account.
Rape remains one of the most under-reported crimes. Victims need to be encouraged to come forward so that they can be supported by police, the Criminal Justice Service, health professionals and other partners. Public endorsement from the MPA in relation to SCD 2’s commitment to victim focus will help improve community confidence and positively influence victim’s willingness to report incidents, substantiate their allegations with statements and give evidence at trials.

5.7 Many domestic violence, sexual violence and violence against women initiatives are likely to close or face substantial reduction in service resilience over the next six months. Substantial reduction in resources and funding are already directly impacting the MPS, our partner agencies and Community Safety Partnership projects. The reality is that all of us, the MPS and close partners need to reconsider our approach to supporting victims of violence as we will be unable to resource and maintain the level of service to victims that we have been providing, or that we would aspire to achieve.

Equality and Diversity Statement

Hounslow BOCU is committed to providing a fair and accessible service that responds to the needs of Hounslow’s communities and is reflective of the people we serve. We will strive to build an ethos within our BOCU where MPS Values and Behaviours are a part of everything we do and where our staff know they will be listened to and treated with respect. This is in line with the MPS Diversity and Equality Strategy 2009-2013. As such; we will do our best to treat everyone with politeness, dignity and respect, regardless of race, age, faith, disability, sexual orientation or gender. Where circumstances permit and the law allows, we will always treat people according to their individual needs. This does not mean that certain groups will receive ‘special treatment’ or one group will be looked upon more or less favourably than another.
Hounslow BOCU recognises that domestic and sexual violence exists within all social and economic groups and across every aspect of the community. We ensure that all victims of DV or SV are dealt with according to their individual needs and this is put in practice by working closely in partnership with all of our statutory and voluntary partners whilst ensuring that carefully drafted practices and policies are adhered to.

Hounslow BOCU has a Diversity Forum that meets 6 times a year. This group has membership from Police Officers and Staff as well as members of the community. The groups look at all aspects of diversity involving the Police both within and outside the organisation in support of the MPS Diversity and Equality Strategy. A number of internal initiatives have been put in place by the diversity forum, for example; they established a Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) support group for staff, added a religious events calendar to our DMM and tactical planner, which allows due consideration to be given to staff around religious celebrations/key events, arranged a Diwali lunch in the canteen inviting all staff across the borough (this was the first event of its kind, other than Christmas lunch and it proved very successful with the intention of running similar occasions throughout the year), established a ‘diversity’ notice board, which is kept updated with various events/posters/contacts/policy, (such as Black history month). The Forum held a working parents focus group in order to improve responses to pregnancy and maternity leave. As a result of this a good practice guidance for managers has been developed and circulated to all staff. A number of workshops on ‘Flexible Working’ were run by a member of the Forum to improve understanding and implementation of our worklife balance policy and flexible working. The Forum is and has been engaged with a number of external initiatives with partners, for example; an International Women’s Day event, Youth conference and youth forums, Interfaith Day, Disability Action Group, LBGT third party reporting scheme, and close links with the work of the Prevent team specifically around faith venues.

We have recently completed our Equality Standard for the Police Standard (ESPS), which has 22 indicators around diversity issues, and sent it off to the Diversity and Citizen Focus Directorate (DCFC). The use of the ESPS has been invaluable in bringing together all the BOCUs diversity work. It has enabled the BOCU to identify its strengths and areas for improvement (AFIs) and draw up an appropriate action plan.

Hounslow CSU DI is a member of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults review group who meet 6 times a year. Cases of suspected carer abuse or the neglect of vulnerable adults are referred by all partner agencies to the committee to review the case and any ongoing investigation.

SCD2 accept reports made by any victim in the first instance as being truthful. An offence will only be considered as unsubstantiated after a full and thorough investigation. Care is taken not to communicate moral judgments to the victim and there is avoidance of questions that might imply criticism of the victim's lifestyle or behaviour. All victims, irrespective of their personal circumstances, age, disability, gender, race, religious belief, faith or sexual orientation are be presumed to be credible and able to sustain proceedings with adequate/appropriate support where necessary (for which all avenues must be explored sensitively and appropriately) if this is the wish of the victim.

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