It has been recommended that, to rectify this issue, police forces should have comprehensive “strategies, structures and processes” in place.
On 27 September 2024, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, published its response, to the super-complaint made by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust on behalf of National Stalking Consortium, in November 2022.
What does this mean?
In accordance with Section 29A of the Police Reform Act 2002, the subject of a super-complaint is “a feature, or combination of features, of policing in England and Wales by one, or more than one, police forces is, or appears to be, significantly harming the interests of the public”.
The super-complaint highlighted significant concerns regarding police responses to stalking.
An investigation was conducted to address these critical issues, which resulted in recommendations emphasising the urgent need for police forces to elevate their standards and improve the fundamental aspects of their response to stalking.
What about Stalking Prevention Orders (SPO)?
The investigation revealed a troublingly low utilisation of SPOs across all police forces. It was found that police forces often failed to offer or actively pursue SPOs. It was also found that police response to breaches of SPOs was inconsistent.
Recommendations
It has been recommended that, to rectify this issue, police forces should have comprehensive “strategies, structures and processes” in place by 27 March 2025. This recommendation’s objective is to ensure that SPOs are considered and applied for in every stalking case where appropriate.
This can be achieved by:
- Local training and guidance on SPOs, including training and guidance for supervisors.
- Mechanisms for supporting investigating officers to identify cases where SPO’s would be appropriate and assist them with SPO applications.”
How can Weightmans assist?
The report published HMICFRS data, collected directly from police forces in England and Wales, showing that only 304 full SPOs were granted at court, in the year ending 31 March 2023. Of which, Weightmans was responsible for assisting with obtaining 100 of these.
- Weightmans has significant expertise in this area and was instrumental in obtaining the first SPO, within one month of the Stalking Protection Act 2019 coming into force.
- We have significant experience in clinics and multi-agency stalking intervention panels (MASIPs) and maintaining regular communication with investigating officers and police legal services departments. We have a particular focus on assessing risks, safeguarding, and the appropriateness of SPOs.
- We offer comprehensive support from initial inquiry through to court proceedings, including appeals.
For more expert advice on stalking protection orders, please contact our emergency services team.
