Reporting domestic and sexual violence to MPS front counters

Report: 3
Report for the Domestic and Sexual Violence Board
Date: 13 July 2010
By Assistant Commissioner Territorial Policing on behalf of the Commissioner

Summary

This report outlines the proportion of all domestic and sexual violence reported to MPS Front Counters in the financial year 2009 to 2010. The report also sets out the training and guidance provided to Front Counter staff, performance information with regard to victims of these offences and other customer satisfaction information.

A. Recommendations

1. That members note the contents of this report

B. Supporting information

Background

1. In the financial year 2009 to 2010 a total of 7,564 or 14.6% of all domestic violence incidents in the MPS were reported at Front Counters (FCs). In the same period a total of 1, 927 or 19.3% of all rape and sexual offences were reported at FCs. The average number of domestic violence incidents reported to FCs was 236 per Borough Operational Command Unit (BOCU) or 4.5 per week. The average number of rape and sexual offences was 60 per BOCU or 1.2 per week.

2. An analysis of the victim profile for domestic violence and rape and sexual offences reveals that there is a slight difference among some of the equality groups in terms of FC reporting. For example 13% of domestic violence victims aged between 14 and 19 years reported offences at the FC compared with the MPS figure of 14.7% and 14% of older victims. 32% of gay and lesbian domestic violence victims reported at the FC. With regard to rape and sexual offences 19.5% of all victims in the MPS reported at the FC with 24% of BME victims, 18% of non-BME victims and 21% with a disability reporting to the FC.

3. Owing to the low numbers of victims it is not statistically sound to identify trends in terms of the six equality areas by BOCU.

4. There has been a 17% increase in the number of rapes reported at FCs in the last three years and a 10% decrease in the number of other sexual offences reported to FCs.

Training

5. FC services are primarily provided from police stations by either Station PCSOs (SPCSOs) or Station Reception Officers (SROs). Police Constables (PCs) cover opening hours where necessary. Volunteers also provide support at FCs and FC services in non-police buildings and unstaffed locations.

6. Only staff who have been selected and trained in delivering reception services can operate within FCs.

7. All SROs have undertaken the mandatory five days of training in the initial investigation of crime. SPCSOs also receive training in the initial investigation of crime as part of their three week SPCSO Foundation Course. SPCSOs are required to pass an exam at the conclusion of the course before they can be posted to the FC.

8. On 31 March 2010 14% of SPCSOs had not yet undertaken the SPCSO Foundation Course as, prior to attending the course, newly recruited SPCSOs are required to spend three months developing their patrolling skills as a PCSO on a Safer Neighbourhood Team. This ensures that they can fulfil the Home Office minimum requirement of two days patrol per month once they are qualified to work in the FC. This three month period also ensures that they are sufficiently competent in the role of PCSO before undertaking the SPCSO training.

9. The initial investigation of crime training includes the ‘MPS Standards for Primary Investigation’ which covers the investigative model of:-

• research (what information is required and appropriate questioning style),
• record (why, what and where to record information),
• retain (exhibit handling to ensure continuity and integrity)
• refer (internal investigative referral and multi-agency involvement).

10. A response to domestic violence allegations is covered in the ‘At Risk Groups’ lessons to enable staff to effectively investigate initial crime allegations made by victims perceived to be ‘at risk.’ These lessons include the action that needs to be taken when dealing with allegations involving domestic violence and includes risk assessments and victim support. The factors that contribute to greater risk such as separation and child contact issues are covered as is cultural awareness and isolation. Forced marriages, honour killings and the priorities in dealing with these allegations are also included.

11. A response to allegations of serious sexual offences is covered in the ‘Serious Sexual Offences’ lessons which aim to enable staff to deal with victims of serious sexual offences in accordance with MPS policy and in a manner that maximises victim care. Included in the content is an explanation as to the role of SCD2 Sapphire Units (responsible for the investigation of serious sexual offences), the characteristics of Rape Trauma Syndrome, the priority actions required when dealing with a victim of rape including victim care and the preservation of forensic evidence.

12. Newly qualified SPCSOs also receive two to three weeks of close support from an experienced colleague before they can work alone.

13. Recruit PCs receive training in the investigation of domestic violence and sexual offences during their 24 week Foundation Training Programme.

14. Volunteers who provide support at FCs do not undertake initial investigations into allegations of crime but must seek immediate assistance from a police officer or police staff. Volunteers undertake a programme of training in reception services which includes awareness of critical incidents and crime to enable them to identify when assistance is required and to provide an initial response. Volunteers also receive training in forced marriage and honour killings.

15. Refresher training is provided on a BOCU level by Training Units if an individual or group is identified as having a training need. Additional corporate training for BOCU officers and staff is decided by Training Management Board based on a training needs analysis and usually occurs when there has been a significant change to legislation, policy or procedure.

Additional guidance

16. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the investigation of domestic violence allegations have been published by the MPS Violent Crime Directorate and are available for FC staff to refer to on the MPS intranet system. Specific guidance for FC staff is included and the importance of an effective investigation and risk management at this crucial stage is emphasised.

17. SOPs in the investigation of rape and serious sexual assault have been published by SCD2 Sapphire Continuous Improvement Team and are available for all FC staff to refer to on the MPS intranet system. These SOPs include guidance for police officers and police staff on first contact with a victim. The SOPs state that ‘The health, welfare and safety of the victim should take precedence over the investigative issues in the first instance’.

18. Additional guidance is available on the intranet sites of the Violent Crime Directorate and Sapphire.

19. The Reception Services Manual is also available electronically and provides further guidance in the form of simple to follow flow charts with links to both SOPs.

20. Any good practice or changes to policy and procedure are disseminated to staff via e-mail or internal news systems by policy holders or the Front Counter Team within Territorial Policing Patrol Operational Command Unit.

Performance

21. Performance for the effective investigation of domestic violence offences and sexual offences is measured on the sanction detection (SD) rate. Those offences reported in FCs are compared to those reported elsewhere. Performance by FC staff in general is measured through customer satisfaction surveys, but these specifically exclude victims of domestic violence and sexual offences, due to the sensitive nature of these crimes.

22. Bespoke projects with tailored methodologies have been used to gather the views on similar issues from more vulnerable groups for example victims of rape. SCD2 seek feedback from victims of rape and serious sexual assault at the charge decision and at the conclusion of the investigation. Victims are asked to comment on their experiences with the first officers they had contact with. SCD2 seek to identify OCU and corporate issues to improve the service to victims by changing working practises and refining training. The MPS Confidence and Satisfaction Board are looking to further develop this methodology for other crime types, such as domestic violence.

23. Complaints against FC staff are also measured. Overall numbers of complaints are low with 108 complaints in the MPS in the last 12 months which equates to 3.5 per BOCU.

24. In 2007 and 2008 surveys commissioned by the MPS were conducted by the MVA Consultancy at the two busiest FCs on each BOCU to assess customer experience. Customers were asked whether they had suggestions as to how the service could be improved.

25. In 2008 the MPS Inspectorate conducted a quality assurance check across all BOCUs where anonymous operatives made simple requests of staff and judged issues such as building condition.

26. BOCUs also conduct inspections and collate information about performance using ‘Your Voice Counts’ comment cards and other locally devised questionnaires and surveys.

27. The Front Counter Team is responsible for collating corporate performance data which is used to develop MPS FC strategy. Inspection visits are regularly undertaken to assess queues, staffing, facilities and information available for customers. Performance data and the findings from these inspections are provided to BOCU Commanders to assist them to identify and initiate local improvements and to address poor performance.

C. Diversity impact

1. There are slightly higher levels of reporting domestic violence and sexual offences at the FC among minority groups as opposed to other methods of reporting these crimes. Amongst younger individuals, however, reporting is slightly lower. BME domestic violence victims account for 51.5% of reports to the FC and BME victims or rape and sexual offences account for 43.4% of reports to the FC.

2. Women represent 80% of victims of domestic violence and 77% of victims of domestic violence who report to the FC are women. 90% of rape and sexual assault victims are women and 91% of victims who report to the FC are women. The FC therefore is an environment that has an important role in supporting vulnerable women and communities.

3. As FC staff and police officers in the FC conduct the initial investigation as the ‘first responder’ it is vital that they continue to receive a high standard of training and supervision in order to provide a high quality of victim care and support.

4. The FC design should also incorporate adequate private areas where offences of this nature can be reported in confidence.

D. Financial implications

1. All training costs identified in this paper are covered within TP existing budget. There are no additional financial implications arising from this report.

E. Legal implications

1. This is a report for information only, therefore there are no direct legal implications arising.

F. Environment impact

1. There are no direct environmental implications.

Report author: Alison Versluys, Patrol OCU

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