ACPO Comment On Stern Review

Mon, 15 March 2010 Courtesy of: ACPO

Commenting after the publication of the Stern Review of the issues surrounding rape investigation and prosecution, ACPO lead for rape and serious sexual offences, Chief Constable Dave Whatton, said “ACPO welcomes the findings of the Stern review and acknowledges the depth to which the review explored many of the relevant issues.

“As expected the review has highlighted the much publicised Reid and Worboys cases. Lessons have been learned from these cases and as the Stern report highlights, police have worked hard to change the way we deal and respond to rape.

“Rape is a uniquely difficult crime to investigate. Every inspection and review in recent years has agreed that in the UK we have great examples of best practice and some of the best training in the world available to investigators.

“police are committed to improving and maintaining the service and ongoing support to victims”

“ACPO and the CPS last year completed complex guidance on the investigation of rape to ensure a more consistent approach in the investigation of and support given to rape victims.

“There is no doubt that the key to sustainable improvements in the investigation and prosecution of rape is for all relevant agencies including ACPO, the Home Office, Crown Prosecution Service, the voluntary sector and the Department of Health to work together.

“The public can be assured that while there is more to do, police are committed to improving and maintaining the service and ongoing support to victims of this most heinous of crimes."