Following the murder of Shana Grice, the Independent Police Complaints
Commission has initiated a criminal investigation. While discussion of the
events and circumstances around the murder could prejudice the outcome of
the investigation, Victim Focus and Public Confidence were central tenets of
the Police and Crime Plan in effect in 2016, and the Panel may wish to
question the Commissioner more generically about the issues of stalking and
harassment.
Minutes:
103. The Chairman informed the meeting that he had requested this item because he felt that it was the Panel’s duty top question the Commissioner on her work in this area given that her Police and Crime Plan was heavily focussed on victims supported with an increased level of precept.
104. The Panel made the points below in the discussion that followed:
• Concern was expressed regarding the taking of witness statements over the
phone rather than face to face. The Commissioner explained that Sussex
Police had recently changed the way it responded to low risk (grade 3)
domestic abuse incidents where previously statements would have been
taken over the phone. Witnesses would now receive a timely risk assessment
visit.
• Questioned what improvements residents could expect to see following the
significant investment to protect vulnerable people. The Commissioner
informed the meeting that an improvement plan to tackle stalking and
harassment had been drawn up. Inspector’s briefings now included a specific
section on stalking and harassment. 50% of the force had now completed
mandatory stalking training. 80% of cases now involved cyber stalking and
further funding had been awarded to help people stay safe online. The
Commissioner urged members to work with their communities and health
partners. Events had been planned to tie in with National Stalking Week.
• The panel were concerned that the public felt that they may not be taken
seriously if they report a stalking crime. The Commissioner responded that
200 stalking crimes were reported last year which was a 45% increase in the
last six months. Sussex Police have the highest level of reporting accuracy
at 95%. The Commissioner was monitoring the response of Sussex Police to
Harassment and Stalking crimes in relation to the improvement plan. The
Commissioner had requested that Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary
(HMIC) carry out an inspection of the Harassment and Stalking
Improvement Plan.
• The panel commended the Commissioner on her efforts in relation to tackling
harassment and stalking but questioned when they might be likely to see
evidence of a turnaround accepting that a rising number of victims felt
comfortable in reporting? The Commissioner hoped to see an improvement
by the time HMIC returned later in the year but there did need to be time for
the training to roll out across the force and bed in. The Commissioner was
encouraged by the increase in reporting of crimes. It was important that the
public understood what constitutes stalking.
• The panel questioned what links were made with the NHS; recognising that
mental illness in perpetrators was a significant issue? The Commissioner
informed the meeting informed the Panel that links are made with the NHS at
the Pan Sussex Board. The working group shares best practice but there are
issues around data sharing. The Commissioner encouraged Community
Safety Partnerships to work closely to form links. A partnerships manager
had been appointed to liaise with partners on collaborative working.
105. The panel made the following recommendations:
i. Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers (PSCO’s) and front line
civilian staff (call handlers) should be trained to recognise harassment and
stalking, even if it is not reported as such
ii. There should be a co-ordinated approach across all Community Safety
Partnerships across Sussex for National Stalking week