VICTIMS of stalking are being left at risk of violence and even death because police do not take the issue seriously, according to a major review published today.
The study was carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services and the College of Policing.f
It follows an investigation launched two years ago after a so-called “super complaint” against police was made by campaigning charity the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
Lamplugh was a 25-year-old estate agent who disappeared in July 1986 after going to meet a client. She was declared dead in 1993, having never been found.
The charity’s complaint identified flawed investigations, instances where stalking was not being properly identified, officers “minimising or trivialising” stalking and the risk of victims being seriously hurt or killed not being recognised.
The 159-page report says the watchdogs had found “clear evidence” supporting the concerns raised and, despite examples of good practice, “in too many cases, the police response was not good enough and victims were being let down.”
It calls on forces to take urgent action to improve the way they handle reports of stalking and deal with victims.
Independent Office for Police Conduct director-general Rachel Watson said stalking victims needed to have “confidence to come forward, knowing they will be listened to and supported by those whose role it is to keep them safe.”
Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke said the “seriousness of stalking should not be underestimated” and police forces “must do all they can to tackle it with the utmost urgency.”
Suzie Lamplugh Trust interim chief executive Emma Lingley-Clark said the report’s findings were a “pivotal moment for police forces to demonstrate their commitment to improving the criminal justice experience and outcomes for victims of stalking.”
London’s Victims Commissioner Claire Waxman called on the government to create a single offence which “recognises the severity and impact” of stalking.
Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips said: “Behind the findings in this report are heartbreaking testimonies from victims. Stalking is an insidious crime that can leave survivors traumatised.”
She said consideration was being given to the report’s recommendations, including how to “put more perpetrators behind bars.”
