HAMPSHIRE’S police force is changing the way it responds to rape and serious sexual offences.
Hampshire Constabulary has joined a national scheme to help “achieve the best outcome for victims”.
The scheme, led and funded by National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) and the Home Office, aims to transform the policing response to these crimes and will result in a national operating model.
'Opportunity to achieve real change'
Detective superintendent, Ellie Hurd, force lead for Operation Soteria Bluestone, which this scheme is an expansion of, said: “Rape is one of the most complex and challenging crimes we deal with within the criminal justice system.
“Our officers and staff are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for victims, but we recognise improvements are needed to address low conviction rates.
“This is an opportunity to achieve real, sustainable change by taking an open and honest look at the way we work within our own organisation, alongside the wider criminal justice system and victim support services.
“We are committed to working with academics to improve the experiences of victims and tighten our grip on offenders.
“As an early adopter, we’re contributing to the development of a new national operating model for stronger and more efficient rape investigations.”
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Police officers and staff will gain access to learning and development, specialist guidance and peer support through the scheme.
Key areas of focus include suspect focused investigations, identification of repeat/serial offenders, victim engagement, learning, development and wellbeing for officers, better use of data and digital forensics.
'Noticeable change'
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Donna Jones, police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: “This is a chance for police to show demonstrable increases in charge and conviction rates for rape and serious sexual offences.
“Victims and communities want to see not just commitments to improve, but noticeable change in how these cases are handled.
“Operation Soteria Bluestone will provide officers and the Crown Prosecution Service with guidance and tools to get rape investigations to court and heard by a jury.
“There is already a change in rates in other parts of the country where Bluestone, or similar operations, have been adopted, which is a good sign.
“This is an opportunity for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and CPS Wessex to bring about real and sustainable change to the way these traumatic offences are investigated.”
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