New digital service to support domestic abuse victims

Suffolk Constabulary is launching a new service that uses digital technology to support victims of domestic abuse.

The new rapid video response team will provide victims with the option of speaking with a police officer remotely and promptly via a video link to obtain immediate details of the incident and initial evidence.

It will run from the Contact and Control Room and follows a three-month pilot of the scheme from March to June last year.

Funded by precept investment following the Police and Crime Commissioner’s decision to increase the policing element of the council tax in this financial year, the scheme will see the team take calls between 8am and 10pm. The project has also received Home Office funding. The CCR staff who risk assess all calls they receive, will offer victims of domestic abuse a rapid initial video call to be conducted by the team. The CCR will only offer the remote call if they have established with the victim it is safe to do so, also that the victim does not require a face to face meeting. If the victim accepts, a first account of the incident can be obtained as well as any further evidential material that may prove useful in a prosecution.

It's important to make clear victims will still be able to choose to see an officer in person if they wish to for the first statement and initial evidence gathering and for future enquiries as the case progresses.

The rapid video response team will also provide the alternative of a scheduled appointment option, again remotely, to allow a member of the team to collect evidence. The team, who are fully trained in domestic abuse response and support of victims. consists of three police officers, six police support investigator posts, an administrative assistant and a sergeant.

Assistant Chief Constable Eamonn Bridger said: “The constabulary will take positive action at every opportunity against those that perpetrate domestic abuse. Safeguarding victims is a priority and we always try to put the victim first in our response to any reports we receive. Domestic abuse is a crime that requires discretion and sensitive handling.

“By providing this alternative option to victims it gives increased flexibility to speak to a police officer about their ordeal and in a safe way. It can reduce waiting time for victims to see an officer, a prompt collection of initial evidence and the opportunity to support and signpost the victim.

“The software allows the ability to share digital evidence and documentation that meets the evidential standard needed to secure justice.”

“Our focus is to ensure that where victims of domestic abuse come to us that we work with them to understand their needs, provide the flexibility and make them and their families safe.

“This is all about giving the victim choice - some victims of domestic abuse reasonably do not want a marked police vehicle outside their property to draw attention to their situation, so the technology facility allows the victim, if they wish, to discuss the incident remotely, discreetly and safely in the first instance with a trained police officer. This new way of working demonstrates that the Constabulary continues to innovate to provide a professional yet compassionate service to the public at their time of need.”

The service will not cover victims under the age of 18 – these will need to be seen still face to face by an officer; offences where ethe suspect is present or likely to return during the rapid video response call, any calls that would need an interpreter and any sexual offences or any immediate ‘Grade A’ call.

Suffolk Constabulary’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore added:

“This current financial year’s council tax resulted in a £1.22million investment in the transformation of the control room.  In addition to the extra call-handlers paid for by the previous year’s precept, this transformation programme has now delivered the rapid video response system to help victims of domestic abuse and violence.

“Victims are the absolute focus of our work and it is most important that they have the confidence to report, so anything that makes it easier for domestic abuse victims to report to the police has my full support. 

“The rapid video response does exactly what the name suggests.  If victims feel comfortable to do so, recording an immediate account of the incident and showing visible signs of the abuse could prove invaluable in securing a successful prosecution. This is an excellent example of where technology can help not only the Constabulary, but more importantly, the victim too.”

Advice about domestic abuse | Suffolk Constabulary