A Welsh police force is piloting a new approach to investigating rape, which focuses on the suspect rather than complainant's credibility.
South Wales Police is one of five forces in England and Wales piloting the new system named Operation Soteria.
It has set up specialist rape investigation teams across the force area with 85 detectives dedicated to investigating rape.
The aim is to reduce the likelihood of re-offending and make rape investigations more thorough and effective, the force said.
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Detective Superintendent from South Wales Police Ceri Hughes said victims are at the centre of the new approach.
Operation Soteria was formally launched in November 2021. Since then pilot has:
- Committed to ensuring that no victim of rape will be without a mobile phone for more than 24 hours. Rape victims can get a loan replacement if the police need their phone for longer than 24 hours.
- Expanded court capacity to help deliver swift access to justice for victims.
- Started offering familiarisation meetings to all victims of rape to give victims a chance to meet the prosecutor and, in appropriate cases, the advocate to discuss the court process and measures available to ensure that they provide their best evidence.
“Operation Soteria is a generational, whole system approach to the way that rape is investigated,” said Detective Superintendent Hughes.
“Victims are at the heart of this approach, and there is significant academic involvement, as well as involvement with both statutory and non-statutory partners.
“We have a great opportunity, as one of only five forces in England and Wales, to lead the way in improving practice in relation to rape investigation.
“Our involvement in the operation will complement the significant investment we have made, setting up specialist rape investigation teams across the force, resulting in 85 detectives across the force now dedicated to the investigation of rape.”
Deputy South Wales Police & Crime Commissioner Emma Wools hopes it will help victims and see a rise in suspects charged.
“It is essential that we take a collaborative approach with our partners to improve victim’s experience of the criminal justice system and build better, stronger cases so that we see a rise in suspects being charged,” she said.
“Preparation is underway, in advance of our Operation Soteria in-depth inspection, which will take place in July 2022, and this will lead to numerous recommendations as to how we can develop and improve our service provision.
“By working with colleagues in the CPS, we can create a joint action plan and further demonstrate our ongoing commitment with partners to ensure victims receive the best service and investigative outcome possible.”
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