Police Information Notices (PINs) are an effective tool in helping tackle harassment

National Lead for Stalking and Harassment Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said:

“As recognised by the Home Affairs Committee, a Police Information Notice (PIN) is a useful tool for helping stop harassment and meet the needs of victims.

“However, to work effectively and safely they must be used correctly and forces constantly deliver and refresh training to front line staff to ensure their use is appropriate and proportionate. This includes recent police and CPS protocol that makes it clear when PINs should be used. New guidance, that will shortly be issue by the College of Policing, will further reinforce training requirements across all forces.

“Appropriate use should mitigate the need for appeal as they work to inform police of when behaviour could amount to harassment rather than holding any legal standing in their own right.

“I support the proposal of publishing the number of PINs issued and will work with forces to agree a process for this, including frequency of release.”