MPA welcomes rape investigation review

65/05
20 December 2005

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) fully endorses the recommendations in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) rape investigation review, which, when implemented, should go some way to improve the consistency of rape investigations across London.

Richard Sumray, chair of the MPA Planning, Performance and Review Committee, said:

“It is essential that the MPA, MPS and other agencies, work together to deliver a high quality service to improve the trust and confidence of rape victims and demonstrate that the criminal justice system takes rape seriously.

“The MPS review provides a start but it remains a work in progress and the recommendations should be pursued with urgency. It is clear that a number of issues need to be developed further, including:

• greater control and coordination of no crime/not crime decisions;
• greater access to Havens and more reporting of rape through Havens;
• the need to spread the message about the role of Havens; and
• the issues surrounding vulnerable victims need to be considered in more depth including ensuring appropriate standards.

“The MPA is committed to ensuring that the recommendations in this review are implemented and will be monitoring progress through the Planning Performance and Review Committee. In particular we will be monitoring performance figures across boroughs, rates of attrition and the rate at which offenders are being brought to justice.”

The MPA demonstrated its commitment to the effective management of rape allegations through the rape scrutiny it conducted in 2002. The subsequent recommendation to establish a network of Havens across London was taken on board by the MPS and its partners. Havens were established to provide a safe and secure environment where rape victims are able to access the specialist support they need. At that time the MPA also recommended:

• the development of minimum standards for rape investigation and victim care;
• improved performance management across boroughs; and
• that the issues of ‘gang’ rape were investigated in more detail.

Notes to editors

Full details of the MPA rape scrutiny can be found at www.mpa.gov.uk/reports/rapescrutiny-2002.htm

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