ACPO comment on HMIC report: Forging the links - rape investigation and prosecution

ACPO lead for rape and serious sexual offences, Chief Constable Dave Whatton, said:

“One of the most difficult offences police and prosecutors deal with is rape. The investigations are complex and the need for joint working to ensure successful convictions is critical.

“This review rightly acknowledges improvements in recent years to the way victims of rape are treated. Improvements in specialist training of officers, introduction of early evidence kits, better access to sexual assault referral centres and significantly improved crime recording practices have assisted the policing response. But we know that there is no room for complacency.

“As with any review we need to ensure that the best practices are shared amongst all to ensure consistency in our approach to supporting victims and investigating and prosecuting rape. ACPO will now work through the recommendations from this review to ensure that we can further enhance our response to rape crimes.”

HMIC's report can be accessed by clicking here.

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk