Dorset Police welcomes first NPCC report into VAWG and police performance
Dorset Police has welcomed the first NPCC report into violence against women and girls and police performance.
Tackling this vital issue remains a priority for Dorset Police and the Force has set a clear strategic focus on improving investigation standards and the service provided to victims.
Although the Force recognises and understands that communities across Dorset will be concerned about the report, published on Tuesday 14 March 2023, it is important to recognise that its findings cover a period from over a year ago (October 2021 – March 2022) and that the impact of improvements in Dorset Police are not included in this report.
Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: “We continue to have extremely good relationships with our partners where we share data, information and intelligence and work together to improve criminal justice outcomes and help protect women and girls from harm. We are also committed to a range of initiatives taking place across Dorset to tackle violence against women and girls.
“The Force is part of Operation Soteria Bluestone, which aims to improve the response of the police service to victims of rape and sexual offences and their experience of the criminal justice process. This has resulted in a greater number of cases going to court, a quicker time period from an initial report to resolution and better support for victims.
“Our local policing teams are also actively working with partners on a range of initiatives to ensure the safety of women and girls in Dorset including SafeSpace, a hub in Weymouth for anyone out at night that may feel vulnerable.”
On specific key dates throughout the year Dorset’s local policing teams deliver Operation Vigilant, this is an operation by officers in plain clothes aimed at targeting predatory behaviour and identifying vulnerability. The Force also takes part in Town Watch where members recently worked with officers to promote a sense of security in licensed venues. The Force’s local policing teams actively engage with universities in the run up to and during fresher’s fortnight, promoting a range of safety initiatives including personal safety awareness and crime reporting options.
Today’s NPCC report included national amalgamated figures on police perpetrated violence against women and girls. While work continues to improve the Force response to violence, focus also remains on improving the Force’s own internal culture to tackle sexism and misogyny in the workplace. Of the 1,539 cases reported in today’s NPCC report, 15 were related to allegations of misconduct of officers and staff at Dorset Police.
DCC Sam de Reya added: “It is very sad to see levels of police perpetrated violence against women and girls detailed in the report and we are determined to do all we can to build trust and confidence in policing for all women and girls in Dorset. There is no place in our Force for perpetrators of violence and we encourage all staff to come forward and challenge inappropriate behaviour and wrongdoing.
“We are clear that we have zero tolerance of misogynistic, sexist and sexualised behaviour in our organisation and have developed channels where staff and officers feel they can report issues in a safe, confidential and supportive environment and be confident that their concerns will be quickly and robustly investigated. The public can also be assured that if they come to us to report any concerns about the conduct of police officers and staff, they will be taken seriously and any reports will be thoroughly investigated.
“The Force is proactive in referring itself to the IOPC when a report of misogynistic or inappropriate behaviour is received and all employees and members of the public can report concerns about the behaviour of police officers and staff via our website or report anonymously through Crimestoppers.
“We remain committed to delivering ethical and inclusive policing to meet the highest professional standards and are working to create a culture where we challenge any behaviours that sit outside of our values.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “Our residents and communities should feel confident that their police service will help and protect them. I would like to make it crystal clear that tackling sexual offences, rape, domestic abuse, stalking and VAWG are all priority areas, and I will work tirelessly alongside Dorset Police to drive down sexual crime and make Dorset the safest county.
“I am committed to creating an environment in which all women and girls, residents and visitors to Dorset, feel safe from violence, intimidation and harassment. This can only be done by influencing and supporting change within communities, partners, and policing. Dorset Police being part of Operation Soteria Bluestone is a great example of this type of work, as it aims to develop a new operating model for the investigation and prosecution of rape and serious sexual assault cases.”
