Improvement needed at D&C Police

Devon and Cornwall Police generally provides a good service in identifying vulnerable people and responds well to them, according to a report.

However, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary says there are several areas where improvement is needed to ensure that the service is consistent and vulnerable people are kept safe.

Given the scale of the challenge in this area and risk that is posed to some of the most vulnerable people, overall HMIC judges that the force requires improvement.

The force effectively identifies vulnerable victims. Its sexual offences and domestic abuse investigation teams provide a specialist response to crimes committed against vulnerable victims.

However, the teams are not yet fully resourced which means that some vulnerable victims do not receive this tailored support.

The force response to domestic abuse is thorough with an action plan that has accountability at senior officer level and a clear process for tracking progress of actions against areas identified for improvement so that officers are correctly assessing risk and taking effective action to keep victims safe.

In response to the report, Assistant Chief Constable Russ Middleton said: “Domestic abuse comes in many forms and is a hugely impactive crime, not only to the victim directly, but often to young and vulnerable members of families who are blighted by this.

“It is a priority area for us and the business of all police officers and staff to deal with in partnership with other agencies – not just those specialised in this area of business.

“I’m pleased to say that the report states we are offering better support and protection to victims of domestic abuse and improving identification of abuse at an earlier stage so preventative action can be taken, and the right support offered.

“This includes better supervision of the first response by police to domestic abuse incidents, a rise in the standard of these investigations and significant progress in our partnership working to get the best professionals engaged with victims at the earliest opportunity.”

Mr Middleton added: “Domestic abuse victims are some of the most vulnerable in society. The report shows we are identifying a high number of domestic abuse cases, triaging these effectively and then responding in the right and appropriate manner to these reports.

“Victims of domestic abuse are not always looking for a criminal justice outcome or indeed arrest. Often it is a case of ensuring victims have support, reassurance, safeguarding and protection is in place.

“We continue to work closer than ever with partner agencies to ensure domestic abuse is identified and dealt with effectively so victims have somewhere to turn and can feel confident in reporting matters to those agencies who can offer the best support.”