Report Summary
This report provides members of the Policing Performance Committee with an overview of the Public Protection Development Programme - Update.
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Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
Policing Performance Committee - 12 September 2023
Date : 12 September 2023
Location : online
Update Pillar 1, Rape & Serious Sexual Crime
Pillar 1 commenced in November 2022 prior to on boarding of professional services. This pillar is the most advanced with the vast majority of Discovery and Define work complete.
All police user research has been completed in A , E, P and Q Divisions in addition to the response of the National Rape Task Force and National Sexual Crime Policy Unit. This research involved observations and interviews within the geographical locations. Recognising the significant role of the Sexual Offences Liaison Officer (SOLO) and Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), bespoke workshops were held with SOLOs and SIOs attending from throughout the country.
Aware of recent and ongoing work which captures the views of victims, PPDP collated Rape Crisis feedback and engagement insights gathered in the development of the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy. Not only did this capture the important views and experiences of victims, it mitigated the risk of re-traumatising victims by further engagement.
All insights are being enhanced by existing data, insights and previous reviews to capture existing work and opportunities whilst ensuring we do not duplicate work that has already been undertaken in Scotland. This will also triangulate findings to either confirm problems/opportunities or identify gaps that have to be explored further. This includes (but not limited to);
• HMICS Reports
• Care Inspectorate Reports
• Victims Taskforce
• Academic Research
Findings were shared with the nine remaining LPDs in May 2023, which largely confirmed the same challenges throughout the country. Positively, opportunities have been identified for further exploration which may provide some solutions, such as:
• Dundee providing 24/7 access through a custody nurse to book Forensic Medical Examinations (FME) allowing better planning but more importantly an improved service for victims as they know from the outset when the FME will occur. Elsewhere they can only be booked via phone during office hours so victims can be left waiting on an appointment.
• Edinburgh operates a SOLO rota which appears to result in less late cancellations for victims and a more positive impact on wellbeing of SOLO’s.
