New detailed rape statistics will help chiefs and PCCs analyse how rape is tackled in their force

National Policing Lead for Adult Sex Offences, Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt said:

“The Rape Monitoring Group has today released detailed statistics on how rape is dealt with across the criminal justice system.  It gives the public easy access to information and enables chief constables and Police and Crime Commissioners to have informed discussions about how rape is tackled in their force.

“There are caveats to this data.  Comparing the number of rapes reported to the police with the number of convictions oversimplifies a long and complex process, in which a criminal conviction is not always possible or the desired outcome for victims.  When rape is so underreported, increases in reporting are seen as a sign that victims have greater confidence in the system rather than a rise in the crime itself.

“There are still inconsistencies between forces, and there always will be within a 43 force structure, but we are working hard to reduce them. We have worked with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on an action plan that aims to increase reports to the police, referrals to the CPS and convictions in court as well as improving our service to victims.  We have provided toolkits to help police investigators, supervisors, prosecutors and advocates and forthcoming Authorised Professional Practice from the College of Policing  will help us achieve greater consistency around the country.”