Having previously conducted a thematic inspection focusing upon the police response to domestic violence over a decade ago (Scottish Office, 1997),Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland (HMICS) has now revisited the issue. In particular we have assessed the progress that has been made over the last decade. In turn, this inspection has focused upon:
- the strategic policing approach to domestic abuse;
- the domestic abuse initiatives with which the police service in Scotland is involved;
- the use of information and communications technology (ICT);
- the role of the domestic abuse officer (DAO)*; and
- the recording of domestic abuse incidents.
This report is the result of an inspection by HMICS into the police response to Domestic Abuse.
Number | Recommendation |
|---|---|
1 | That the requirement for a national database of perpetrators and victims be urgently addressed by all forces. |
2 | That the domestic abuse officer role is reviewed in line with the identified good practice in this report. |
3 | That all forces work together (with the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA) where appropriate), to develop a common approach to training and support for officers. |
4 | That all forces adopt a model of victim risk assessment and risk management as soon as possible, whilst working towards implementing a single core model across Scotland, and that forces focus on ensuring the quality of the information gathered. |
5 | That forces review and reinforce their quality assurance practices and processes for recording domestic abuse incidents. |