Police response to stalking
Norfolk Constabulary’s response to the report on the Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s super complaint: The police response to stalking.
“The Police Response to Stalking” report which was published on 27th September 2024 is the findings of a joint investigation by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service, the College of Policing, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
The investigation and report were commissioned following a super complaint by The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, on behalf of the National Stalking Consortium, which raised serious concerns about the police response to stalking.
The report highlights, “Stalking is a serious crime which can have a devastating impact on victims. It is characterised by a pattern of unwanted, fixated, and obsessive behaviour which is intrusive. Stalking can cause psychological trauma and lead to serious physical violence.”
The inspection team gathered evidence through interviews with victims, reviewing case files, and inspecting six forces. Although evidence of positive practice was observed, the review found that reports of stalking were not always taken seriously enough and that investigative opportunities were being missed.
The report resulted in 29 recommendations of which 15 were directed to all Chief Constables of Police Forces across England and Wales. The recommendations include improving the identification and recording of stalking cases, and increased recognition of the risks to victims, and the effect that stalking has on victims. The report identifies that investigators need the right skills and training and there needs to be a greater consideration in the use of Stalking Prevention Orders.
Norfolk Constabulary welcomes this important report and its findings. The Constabulary is already making strides to implement the recommendations within the report. We are committed to working with partner agencies to improve the service and support provided to victims of stalking, while robustly pursuing perpetrators through criminal and civil cases.
The attached action plan sets out how we intend to meet the recommendations that have been made.