Question
Can you advise of any issues arising from the conclusions and recommendations of the recent Vera Baird report into the unlawful arrest and strip searching of victims of domestic abuse by Greater Manchester Police which now require consideration and action by PSNI?
Answer
- PSNI acknowledges the Baird report and will take time in reviewing its recommendations in conjunction with the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
- Public Protection Branch have noted that over recent months there has been an increase in the reporting of domestic abuse or sexual offences, across the genders, when victims are interacting with police for another purpose – this could be during arrests, interviews or other concerns for safety.
- PSNI make robust decisions around arrest vs PACE 10 voluntary interviews in respect of allegations and counter allegations – whilst there will be occasions when we arrest both parties this will be based on the evidence available and the necessity. This has been subject to dip sample and review over the last 3 to 4 years on a monthly basis, along with other aspects of performance. This is to provide assurance that we are making the right decisions on arrests that are bespoke to individual cases. The decision to PACE 10 interview rather than arrest a suspect is reviewed as additional information becomes available, and may be changed at any time. This is a decision that would be made for any offence, not only cases involving domestic and / or sexual abuse. This is quality assured by the Senior Investigating Officer or supervisor. Guidance has been provided in the factors to consider when making a decision on whether the necessity criteria has been reached, and to reflect the relevant rationale.
- PSNI acknowledges the Baird report and will take time in reviewing its recommendations in conjunction with the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
- Public Protection Branch have noted that over recent months there has been an increase in the reporting of domestic abuse or sexual offences, across the genders, when victims are interacting with police for another purpose – this could be during arrests, interviews or other concerns for safety.
- PSNI make robust decisions around arrest vs PACE 10 voluntary interviews in respect of allegations and counter allegations – whilst there will be occasions when we arrest both parties this will be based on the evidence available and the necessity. This has been subject to dip sample and review over the last 3 to 4 years on a monthly basis, along with other aspects of performance. This is to provide assurance that we are making the right decisions on arrests that are bespoke to individual cases. The decision to PACE 10 interview rather than arrest a suspect is reviewed as additional information becomes available, and may be changed at any time. This is a decision that would be made for any offence, not only cases involving domestic and / or sexual abuse. This is quality assured by the Senior Investigating Officer or supervisor. Guidance has been provided in the factors to consider when making a decision on whether the necessity criteria has been reached, and to reflect the relevant rationale.
- In adopting this new interpretation, it is anticipated that there will be a rise in the recorded figures of strip searches given its broader scope. The PSNI is exploring mechanisms to differentiate between the circumstances of strip searches on police systems. This will allow, for example, the extrapolation of data to measure what was always termed a ‘strip search’, allowing PSNI to continue to monitor this, in addition to reporting other occasions when more than the outer clothing is removed, such as a clothes swap. This will allow us to continue to monitor the effect of the new policy, whilst also delivering on national practice.
- PSNI have already met with the NIPB Human Rights Advisor and staff from the Board to update them on this development, and are currently devising a further action plan to operationalise this within PSNI.
Les Allamby