Hillingdon report

Report: 3
Report for the Domestic and Sexual Violence Board
Date: 16 November 2010

Part A: Data, is available as a PDF

B1: Introduction

Hillingdon Borough is the second largest London Borough, within the MPS. It covers 42 square miles and has a population of 253,200, and is situated to the west of Central London. The projection of population from minority communities is estimated to be 25% by 2011.

Hillingdon Borough epitomises the current MPS service delivery model regarding the investigation of Domestic Violence and Serious Sexual Offences. SCD2 are located just off Borough in Hounslow and they service the SCD2 cluster of Hounslow and Hillingdon. They have responsibility for Investigating offences against Section 1 and 2 of the Sexual Offences Act. Allegations outside those criteria are investigated by the C.I.D within Hillingdon. Hillingdon Borough Community Safety Unit is responsible for the investigation of Hate Crime which includes Domestic Violence and is part of the Public Protection Group (PPG) based at West Drayton Police Station.

Hillingdon Borough Community Safety Unit succeeded in achieving the MPS Sanctioned Detection targets for Race, Homophobic and Domestic Violence for 2009 to 2010.

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?

2.1.1 The MPS Domestic Violence Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is the template for risk assessment and risk management on Hillingdon Borough. Initial investigating officers (IIO’s) use the book 124d for every Domestic Violence (DV) investigation/report; this clearly outlines the minimum levels of risk assessment using the Domestic Abuse Stalking and Harassment (DASH) model. The IIO’s are then encouraged to use the Remove, Avoid, Reduce and Accept the risk (RARA) model to initially manage the risks identified. All reports are subject to first line supervision by a Sergeant.

2.1.2 All DV crime reports are reviewed by a Detective Sergeant from the CSU who will record the RARA assessment and initiate an investigation strategy .The Detective Sergeant will then allocate the investigation to an Investigating Officer (IO) within the CSU. If the suspect is not already in custody an arrest request will be raised through the Borough Control Room for arrest enquiries to be made. Non-compliance is dealt with robustly by line managers and overseen by the Operations Superintendent and Chief Inspector.

2.1.3 DV investigations including any incidents reported to Police via Computer Aided Dispatch and are recorded on the Duty Officer’s handover and scrutinised at the Daily Management Meeting and actions are raised regarding any concerns with the investigation. There is a daily check on outstanding suspects not arrested by the Detective Inspector managing the CSU, or his deputy, to ensure outstanding suspects are progressed and prioritised dependent on risk presented.

2.1.4 The IO will then conduct a five year background check on the victim(s), suspect(s) and address (es) to identify further risks and history. They will contact the victim and conduct a detailed risk analysis (part2). For all medium and high risk cases there is a referral to IDVA. Consideration is given by the IO to; The Sanctuary Project which offers practical assistance to victims e.g. panic alarms, mobile phones and arson proof letterboxes, and emergency accommodation through Hillingdon Local Authority. They will also conduct a range of Intelligence checks on, suspect’s vehicle, further addresses and associates. Officers will use a range of tactics to locate and arrest those outstanding suspects whose intent is to avoid arrest, including the use of proactive Policing Teams. Investigations are reviewed by supervisors within the DV standard operating procedure.

2.1.5 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 DASH model review 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 ( Remove, Avoid, Reduce, Accept ). 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 10hour (DS), 7 day (DI), 28 days (DCI). High risk cases or incidents of critical community concern will be discussed at the BOCU DMM and where appropriate the SCD Detective Inspector attends to brief the BOCU on the progress of the investigation and if required 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?

2.2.1 Hillingdon Borough has identified the need for a continuity of service for the victims of Domestic Violence and to improve the Borough response to the victims needs. A Police Sergeant is employed within the CSU to manage, inspect and quality assures that 124D’s are completed in each DV case. This is an additional tier of supervision that ensures Borough completes this work.

2.2.2 This also provides a safety net regarding compliance with the DASH model. More importantly it ensures all non crime book domestic violence reports are reviewed independently freeing time for supervisors and investigators to focus on DV crime investigations. This enables the CSU to identify escalating trends and identify gaps in intelligence which are recovered and recorded on CRIMINT, CRIS and Merlin reports. It also provides a continuity of service delivery in terms of advice to the victims and provides a bespoke referral based on the needs of the victim. This process reduces the potential for further assaults by identifying causation at the earliest opportunity and is victim focussed.

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?

2.3.1 Domestic Violence between or involving police officer and staff are dealt with in accordance with the MPS SOP. Cris reports are ‘Restricted’. OCU Commanders are informed if off Borough and the Directorate of Professional Standards. Liaison with line managers and Federation Representative can facilitate additional support to the victim.

2.3.2 On Hillingdon Borough Criminal investigations are the responsibility of a Detective Sergeant and supervised by the CSU Detective Inspector. There have been four reports involving Police Officers; in one case the suspect and victim were both Police Officers, in another case the victim was an Officer and in the others two suspects were Officers.

2.3.3 Multiple perpetrators in Domestic Violence cases are rare due to the insular nature of the offence. Counter allegations can be made at the time of reporting or subsequently and are relatively straight forward. Crisscross allegations at the time of reporting are more complex. Officers are trained to investigate these complications. It is not always the calm complainant that is the innocent party. CSU officer are conversant with these matters and if required separate officers can investigate these allegations. The Borough also utilises the Impact Nominal Index (INI) which is a register of people, in nominal form, who have come to the notice of the police anywhere in the UK. An INI search can be used for all research, enquiries in supporting investigations the Borough’s use of the system is at least 100% greater than any other MPS Borough.

2.3.4 SCD 2 Investigation are not affected by the fact the suspect or victim is employed by the Police. The Crime Reporting System is restricting in such instances to those involved in the investigation only. In cases where the suspect is an employee a referral will always be made to the Directorate of Public Standards and the management team of the officer concerned. There have been no such allegations in this reporting period on Hillingdon Borough.

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

2.3.6 In the reporting period there have been seven allegations of multiple perpetrator sexual assaults on single victims. Of the seven offences six involve victims under the age of sixteen. Five investigations have resulted in arrests, from which there have been convictions of two children. A trial is imminent on two charged suspects and two offenders remain on bail awaiting a decision from the London Rape Charging Centre and a charge is anticipated. Two cases involving arrests have been presented to the London Rape Charging Centre and a decision to take no further action has been reached.

2.3.7 Of the remaining unsolved cases one victim was unwilling to assist police in the investigation and the other is an ongoing investigation. To ensure that the young victims are fully supported in each case Strategy meetings were arranged to provide any support required in a multi agency approach.

2.3.8 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.

2.3.9 Repeat Offenders, six repeat offenders have been identified by SCD2. Five have been charged with offences and one remains on bail for rape and sexual assault, a nursing assistant for mental health patients. The allegations were from different hospitals where the suspect has worked. The investigation is ongoing; the suspect has been suspended by NHS Foundation Trust .

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?

3.1.1 Hillingdon Borough dedicates core funding to posts to tackle directly domestic and sexual violence.

Domestic Violence Strategic Coordinator, responsible for DV and Sexual Violence, based at LBH
IDVA manager, based at West Drayton police Station
IDVA based at West Drayton Police Station
IDVA based at West Drayton Police Station.
MARAC administrator, based at West Drayton Police Station
SDVC administrator (part time) based at LBH
DV Education Officer for Schools based at LBH

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?

3.2.1 The Strategic Assessment considers Violent Crime and encompasses Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence and is a key component of the developed Control Strategy. This is driven by our fortnightly Tactical Assessment where our progress in tackling all serious violence is monitored and reviewed and to which resources are tasked.

3.2.2 DV recorded offences have increased last year by 8.4% from 1808 to 1960 offences. The Community Safety Partnership has a long term commitment to reducing domestic violence whilst at the same time encouraging victims to report the offences whilst simultaneously providing them with support and reducing repeat offending.

3.2.3 Priority one of the CDRP is to reduce violence. ‘We are very aware of the serious impact of violent crimes and want to do everything we can to make sure such incidents do not occur in Hillingdon. These are the objectives the Partnership has committed to achieving under this priority; including Improve services offered to victims of domestic violence; To achieve the above objectives, we will be undertaking a number of projects and initiatives. Working with local schools, we hope to raise young people’s awareness’

3.2.4 Hillingdon Borough is piloting a Safeguarding Adults Unit with two dedicated Adults at Risk (SAR) investigators. They work closely with Hillingdon Social Workers from the Safeguarding Adults Team at the Civic Centre and are actively involved in providing advice, attending case conferences and conducting joint visits to service users. This has included briefing CPS Managers and all Borough Crime Managers and has been recognised as good practice by the CSU service delivery team.

3.2.5 Staff give talks and presentations to residents of care homes, Care Agencies and others such as the Primary Care Trust and Hillingdon Hospital. They have also given presentations at the Civic Centre for White Ribbon Day. For example in an effort to raise the level of awareness within more vulnerable and hard to reach groups, SAR officers on 16.06.10 attended the Asha Day Care Centre in Hayes and spoke to a group of twenty elderly people. The presentation was given with the assistance of several interpreters who translated to the audience in their first language of Hindi, Urdu and Guajarati.

3.2.6 They are also involved in a training programme currently being run at Mill House Mental Health Unit in Hillingdon; this is for members of staff from across the Borough who works within Mental Health in the community. This is to raise the level of awareness on the impact of Domestic Violence. The SAR unit conducts in house training for officers when they initially join the CSU and as a continuing process. During these sessions talks are organised and given by both local and national support groups and agencies that can assist officers with their role in the CSU. A training morning for street duty officers is also undertaken using real case scenarios. A shorter presentation is also given to team officers during their training days.

3.2.7 Hillingdon Borough supports Hillingdon Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Project (IDVA) Manager and two case workers. They are jointly located with the Community Safety Unit within the PPG at West Drayton Police Station. Their core function is to address the safety of victims at high risk and to secure their safety and the safety of their children.

3.2.8 Hillingdon Borough has had a Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) for two years .The MARAC provides a multi agency response for the protection of high risk domestic violence victims and their children. The Chair is the Detective Inspector of the CSU, the Detective Inspector and the MARAC co-ordinator are and continue to be involved in promoting and encouraging High Risk Domestic Violence referrals from partner agencies.

3.2.9 Hillingdon Borough has a Specialist Domestic Violence Court (SDVC) Ministry of Justice accredited, that sits on a Wednesday. Custody cases are progressed to that day and bailed offenders are automatically bailed to that date. The SDVC Co-ordinators attends each Court date and collates comprehensive details of each case processed. These are forwarded to the Community Safety Unit Investigators to update the victims of the offence as to the progression and conclusion and modify any safety plan in place.

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?

3.3.1 Hillingdon Borough has a Safeguarding Adults at Risk investigation unit. Two officers investigate crimes committed against Vulnerable and Adults with Disabilities. This has been implemented as a result of identifying DV crimes going beyond husband and wife dynamics. Due to closure of mental health facilities and the demographics of families children remain in the home as adults with ageing parents. This raises problems of cohabiting with age, vulnerability, disability, alcohol, drugs and mental health. Often partner agencies are unsighted on these issues. It adds an increasing stratum of domestic violence. The SAR work daily with the twenty five Adult Social workers, conducting joint visits and attending strategy meetings. Liaising with the Care Quality Commission the unit have conduct training with Care Home staff/Nursing staff, PCT, Hillingdon Hospital, CPS/Crime Managers (two presentations) Magistrates and social services joint training.

3.3.2 Examples of their work include; a victim with cerebral palsy and epilepsy who was dependant on the use of a wheelchair and required continual care. Utilising mobile video equipment the victim supported a successful prosecution against her mother for two separate instances of assault. A victim with MS who was house and bed bound whose money was stolen by his sons by systematic abuse of his bank accounts, and a daughter who abused and assaulted her elderly mother who had recently been released from hospital.

3.3.3 Hillingdon Borough IDVA’s work proactively, in addition to the MPS risk assessments, they have an independent risk assessment for victims which details thirty three points. During the financial year the IDVA’S made 45 high risk referrals to MARAC, half of the referral rate. There are on average twenty four attendees at the MARAC from statutory and voluntary sectors meeting one a month. The referrals made were in the majority from the CSU which is testimony to partnership working. HIDVA’s do multi agency joint training throughout the year and have worked with; Brunel University, NATO Headquarters, Age Concern and Women’s Centre to name but a few.

3.3.4 The MARAC co-ordinator is also based within the Public Protection Desk (PPG) at West Drayton. The Coordinator is also proactive in training and promoting the MARAC, both with statutory and voluntary sector partner agencies. Partnership training has been conducted with Hillingdon Women’s Centre, A&E Nursing staff, MIND and other ad hoc training for partner agencies joining the MARAC. In 2009 MARAC dealt with ninety eight High Risk DV referrals, only two were repeat victims. In 2010 to date MARAC dealt with seventy three High Risk DV referrals of which there have five repeat referrals.

3.3.5 Staff from the CSU and the Public Protection Desk work on many committees to promote best practice and work to improve services for victims within Hillingdon Borough. These include;

Domestic Violence Executive The group decides on policy of the forum and meets quarterly in advance of Forum, this decided the priorities of the work of those involved in the Forum and sub groups.

The Domestic Violence Forum

Multi agency, statutory and voluntary sector, group chaired by LBH Councillor, meets quarterly. Considers and reviews the CDRP’s response to DV issues. It ensures the focus to DV is maintained within the Borough and ensures that training is in place for front line staff.

Legal Sub Group Chaired by CSU Detective Inspector feeds into the Executive and DV Forum. It considers improvement in our response and best practice regarding Domestic Violence within the Borough. It includes Police Criminal Justice Unit, MARAC and the CPS

Vulnerable Adults and Disability This year’s ‘White Ribbon Day’ theme 25th November. The Detective Inspector and SAR are making a presentation publishing the linkage with vulnerable adults and DV.

Hillingdon Specialist Domestic Violence Court Steering Group Reviews policy procedure and reviews effectiveness of court, with both Statutory and Voluntary sector membership.

Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board Also meets quarterly, strategic development and implementation of Safeguarding Adults Policy with both statutory and voluntary sector members.

3.3.6. SCD2 work closely with Haven, VSS and CPS. Monthly meetings are 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 at the conclusion 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.

3.3.7 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.

3.3.8 An example of SCD2 working in partnership with statutory agencies. Two children charged with the rape of a child. The initial meeting was chaired by the Director of Childrens Services due to the complexity of the case, following charge numerous Gold Group meetings were held to ensure that the victim and suspects alike were fully supported throughout the judicial process and beyond. Participants included Head of Social Services, Social Workers, Head Teachers, Probation, Youth Offending Services, London Borough of Hillingdon representatives from Education, Housing, Child Protection, Jigsaw, Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) and Senior Management from Hillingdon Police and SCD5.

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

3.4.1 Hillingdon Borough as a ‘Gateway’ was susceptible to the migration of children and adults entering the UK via Heathrow. The “Trafficking Exploitation and Runaway Sub Group” directly combat migrants vulnerable to trafficking and potential sexual exploitation. This multi agency forum meets fortnightly and is attended by Police, UK Border Agency Asylum Team, C.E.O.P., SCD5 and ‘Operation Paladin’ and Social Services. This initiative was highlighted as a beacon of excellence in a recent inspection of Hillingdon Social Services.

3.4.2 The PPD has commenced ‘Children Missing from Care’. This initiative is to identify and protect regular Missing Persons within the Borough from a care environment to protect them from sexual exploitation, potential trafficking and similar vulnerabilities.

3.4.3 The Community Safety Unit investigates Domestic Violence, Forced Marriages and Honour Based Violence as core business. There have been eighteen offences of Forced Marriage and Honour Based Violence during this timeframe. Previously the Hillingdon Domestic Violence Forum has highlighted these issues at ‘White Ribbon Day’.

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?

4.1.1 It is Service policy that the User Satisfaction Survey and the Public Attitude Survey are not used to obtain feedback from victims of domestic violence or sexual violence. There are however mechanisms to obtain feedback using partner agencies. IDVA’s are a constant source of feedback from the victim(s). Any short comings are rectified by the consultation between the IDVA manager and the CSU Detective Inspector. In addition to the MPS risk assessment model, as previously mentioned the IDVA’s record a documented thirty three point risk assessment for victims. Again any shortcomings can be immediately fed back to the CSU, DI or directly to the Hillingdon Domestic Violence Forum. Hillingdon Borough has identified the need for a continuity of service for the victims of Domestic Violence and to improve the Borough response to the victims needs. This occurs regularly where IDVA staff feedback concerns e.g. perceived lack of contact, or explanations to progressing investigations, which will always be followed up.

4.1.2 A Police Sergeant is employed within the CSU to manage, inspect and quality assures that 124D’s are completed in each DV case. This is an additional tier of supervision that ensures victims have been spoken and an update on the circumstances is obtained, the safety and welfare of the victim being the focus of this work. This feedback is recorded in the details of the crime report and forms the basis of an action plan or further referral if required.

4.1.3 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. 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.

4.1.4 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, the Haven and Eaves had grave concerns for her safety. SCD2 immediately conducted enquiries and expeditiously located the victim who was safe and well. A letter was to 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)?

4.2.1 Hillingdon Borough follows the Victims Code of Practice (VCOP) the CMU monitor non compliance which is dealt with at the monthly CSU meeting, where performance is scrutinised.

4.2.2 The DI from the CSU has implemented an early warning system (EWS) for victims of high risk domestic violence. All MARAC referrals (perpetrators) have been inputted on the Prisoner Intelligence Notification System (PINS), by the PPG researcher. The PINS now alerts the researcher who informs the MARAC coordinator and the DI. The Perpetrator alert is now an agenda item at the MARAC. Alerting statutory and partner agencies or IDVA’s to contact the victim and implemented a safety plan.

4.2.3 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 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?

4.3.1 Hillingdon Borough LGBT officer is active within the community; her work is dedicated to LGBT issues she has close links with Hillingdon’s LGBT community and attends MPS seminars to maintain current awareness of trends and policy.
4.3.2 There have been two ‘White Ribbon Day’ events held in the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Uxbridge promoting Diversity issues such as HBV and FM to hard to reach communities. They have been attended by the CSU Detective Inspector and MARAC coordinator, IDVAs and the statutory and voluntary sector.
4.3.3 SCD2 will be attending the 2010 ‘White Ribbon Day’ to engage with partners, agencies and promote the work of SCD2. 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.
4.3.4 The OCU Superintendent has taken part in a Q and A session on the local radio station, the Senior Management Team has been engaged in supporting Hillingdon initiatives and ‘Road Shows’. The OCU Commander has recently with the PCG also held a Q and A session and he has personally addressed The Afghan Womens’ Forum.

B5: Organisational improvement

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

5.1.1 There have been no Domestic Violence Homicides during this period; the last was three years ago. The only serious case review referred to a Safeguarding Adults Domestic Violence case where a vulnerable adult attempted to kill his wife and himself by carbon monoxide poisoning. There were no recommendations for the MPS.

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

5.2.1. SCD2 is barely a year old; officers who were posted from Hillingdon Borough for the newly formed SCD2 are still well known to staff at Hillingdon. The Detective Sergeant and Detective Inspector were posted from Hillingdon Borough having previously worked within these remits on Borough. Therefore communication and personal contact is very good. There is a constant overlap of CSU and SCD2 crimes and primacy is never an issue. There is clarity regarding investigations and remits between SCD2 CSU and CID. Crimes within the SCD2 remit are reviewed at the Borough Daily Management Meeting and contact is also made during the course of primary investigation. Assistance to manage scenes, arrest offenders and carry out anniversary appeals is frequently given to SCD2 by the Borough. Clear examples of this would be the case which dealt with child offenders and a SSO at Point West in Hayes. In the latter teams have and are working closely. Resources from the Borough have been used to assist including; in house to house enquiries and in a ‘Crimewatch’ appeal.

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?

5.3.1 The investigation of Domestic Violence cases with HBV as an aggravating factor is CSU core business. They are sometimes dynamic interventions using the RARA model and at other times preventative or in anticipation of events. This is core business for CSU and HIDVAS‘s. The statistics below are testimony to this. The HBO Action Plan has been reviewed with no recommendations being proposed. During the examination period to the 31st August there have been eighteen Forced Marriage and Honour Based Violence allegations that have been flagged. In 2009 fourteen MARAC referrals are recorded as having Culture and Honour Based concerns. In 2010 to date twelve MARAC referrals are recorded as having Culture and Honour Based concerns.

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

5.4.1 The Public Protection Desks have evolved from an unknown quantity to a key tool in Public Protection of the vulnerable and victims at high risk by offenders. All roads lead to the PPD; it is the hub in terms of vulnerability and risk. On Hillingdon PPD researchers are tasked to deal with, High Risk Missing Persons, they have an early warning system to monitor MARAC offenders, and they supply intelligence packages for MARAC offenders and victims (regarding victim vulnerability). They also identify risk in assessing Merlin Pre Assessment Check’s (PACs) which are reports to social services regarding vulnerable children. There is work underway to scope a social worker being attached to this desk to work in partnership to provide a faster time triage of these reports.

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?

5.5.1. Ring fenced staff within CSU’s as with Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Safeguarding Adults Teams to be defined and resourced as part of the MPS CSU’s.

5.5.2 SCD2 are victim focused and identify that a judicial outcome is not always in the best interests of the victim or the most appropriate course of action. The targets for sanction detections are therefore not a true reflection on the work conducted by SCD2. SCD2 would like more focus on victim satisfaction and confidence.

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?

5.6.1 To move away from culture of performance statistics i.e. Sanctioned Detections and Arrest Rates. There is a danger that we could always chase statistics and not the support to the victims. Investigation should always take into account victim’s wishes and the support that is given and other relevant referrals that are made.

5.6.2 To move away from culture of performance statistics i.e. 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.

5.6.3 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 victims’ willingness to report incidents, substantiate their allegations with statements and give evidence at trials.

Equality and Diversity

Hillingdon Borough Police acknowledge our responsibilities to the members of all our communities in dealing with Domestic and Sexual Violence. In seeking to improve the service we offer, we will engage with, and value the contributions of our partners. Working together we will safeguard and protect the vulnerable and ensure that we hold offenders to account and bring them to justice. We encourage the reporting of such offences, monitoring our performance and outcomes to improve our service to victims.
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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