Police not taking rape seriously, says MP

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CHESHIRE Police – and the police and crime commissioner – have failed to grasp the seriousness of a report which criticised their handling of rape cases in the county, according to Warrington North MP Helen Jones.
She raised the issue in the House of Commons in the wake of a new report which indicates that nationally there has been a 29 per cent increase in reported cases of rape.
Earlier this year, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary criticised the Cheshire force for its handling of rape cases.
Ms Jones questioned minister for policing, criminal justice and victims Mike Penning on the HMIC report.
She won a concession from the minister that he was ““not proud of what was disclosed by the investigation in Cheshire.”
He added: “It is vital that police-recorded crime statistics are robust, especially for the victims of such abhorrent offences – and I expect the police and crime commissioner and chief constable to use the findings to improve the service to victims in Cheshire”.
The minister said rape must be treated seriously, that victims must be at the heart of policing and that the police and crime commissioner would be expected to adhere to that.
Ms Jones said: “I am pleased that the minister has recognised that in the case of rape, Cheshire Police need to improve their service to victims and need to improve their recording procedures for this crime.
“ The police and crime commissioner has been silent on this issue and I am pleased to learn that he will be expected to treat rape seriously and ensure victims are at the heart of policing.”
Cheshire’s assistant chief constable Guy Hindle, said: “I am disappointed that Helen Jones hhas chosen to make comment in the House of Commons that will inevitably cause undue concern to victims of the most dreadful crime, namely rape.
“We are rightly proud of our service to victims of sexual crime and work closely with specialist partners to ensure that every victim is cared for appropriately. We have a dedicated unit that works closely with co-located Crown Prosecution Service lawyers to ensure that every possible line of enquiry is fully explored to bring offenders to justice.
“An inspection into our crime recording processes revealed some weaknesses last year. Whilst there was no criticism about our standard of investigation, our failing was that some offences were not recorded as a crime. In each investigation where a crime was not recorded the inspectorate found that a thorough investigation had taken place.
“We have now changed our recording procedures as a consequence. I would welcome Ms Jones, her fellow MPs, or any other stakeholder to visit us and see how we manage these difficult and challenging investigations. I am sure that they will find that the public can be confident that we put victims first and treat rape investigation as a priority.
“We put the victims needs at the heart of our investigations and would encourage anyone who has any concerns following the MPs comments today to make contact with us directly, or to contact the rape and sexual abuse support centre for Cheshire.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer said: “I am absolutely certain that when any woman, or man, reports a rape or sexual assault in Cheshire that it will be treated seriously and sensitively. Only last week, my office met with officers from Cheshire’s dedicated rape unit and were impressed with their professionalism and the rigour of the processes they follow.
“This is despite a significant upturn in levels of reporting of late which indicates to me that victims do have the confidence to report current and non-recent crimes against them.
“I am in the process of commissioning aftercare services for victims of rape and sexual assault and part of that process involves listening to survivors about their experiences. I place victims at the centre of policing and take this matter very seriously indeed.
“I am disappointed that Helen Jones hasn’t raised this matter with myself or the chief constable and we would welcome a discussion with her where we can furnish her with the facts.”
Pictured: MP Helen Jones and police and crime commissioner John Dwyer.


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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