Home secretary Priti Patel visits Sussex Police headquarters: this is why

Ms Patel paid a visit to the headquarters in Lewes to be shown how Sussex Police has been tackling domestic abuse during the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: “Our message to domestic abuse victims during this pandemic has been simple - You Are Not Alone. I am proud of how communities and our fantastic police have gone the extra mile to support those most in need.

“Innovative and proactive approaches to supporting victims, like those demonstrated by Sussex Police, alongside the measures in the ground-breaking Domestic Abuse Bill will ensure we transform the response to this horrific crime.”

During the Hidden Harms Summit on May 21, hosted by prime minister Boris Johnson to explore the topic, the Home Office praised Sussex Police as an 'exemplar' in dealing with domestic abuse, sexual abuse and modern slavery during lockdown and beyond.

Joined by national chairman of the Police Federation John Apter, Ms Patel met police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne, newly-appointed chief constable Jo Shiner and officers from the force’s specialist teams.

Sussex Police set up a 39-strong specialist unit called the Local Resolution Team in March this year. They deal with, by appointment, any domestic abuse cases that are not immediately urgent, including a new video service enabling conversations that cannot take place in person.

Officers discuss the incident with the caller, carrying out an initial investigation. They then provide safeguarding advice, explore further investigative opportunities to prosecute those responsible and arrange access to independent advice and support.

More than 1,400 victims across Sussex have so far been supported in this way and have given positive feedback on the process. One victim said: “The person I spoke to was very reassuring and caring. Made me feel like I wasn’t in the wrong.”

During the visit, Ms Patel and Mr Apter were shown an interactive demonstration of this new secure mobile technology, following the same process as a victim would from receiving the text message alert, to virtually meeting a specialist trained officer.

According to Katy Bourne's office, both were 'highly impressed by this discreet way to reach out to victims of hidden harm and the extra mile this force has gone to safeguard them'.

They will be taking on board the good practice shared and encouraging similar initiatives to be rolled out across the UK, the spokesman said.

During the visit the Home Secretary and Mr Apter also met with new officer recruits funded from the Government’s uplift programme and members of specially trained enforcement teams including the recently expanded Tactical Enforcement Units and the new Rural Crime Team.

John Apter said: "It was great to meet new recruits today and hear their motivations for joining and their aspirations. Also, to hear about the vital work officers are doing in tackling and preventing domestic violence, which cannot be understated.”

Katy Bourne said: “I was delighted that the Home Secretary and Chairman of the Police Federation took the time to visit us in Sussex today. For Sussex Police to be recognised as an example of good practice in this way is very gratifying and shows how hard senior officers and their teams have worked to safeguard our most vulnerable.

“I attended the Hidden Harms Summit in May and it was clear then that the Government is committed to exploring new ways to reach out to victims and ensure their voices are heard.

“Sussex Police are doing just that. They have recognised that it has been more important than ever that people who feel threatened have someone they can reach out to, who will listen and help them.

“Thanks to the Government’s uplift in funding and our local council tax contributions we have been able to expand local policing teams in Sussex, crack down on crime and put in place ground-breaking measures to protect people.

“The force has and will continue to go the extra mile to ensure people do not feel they have to suffer in silence. I was pleased today that they were given the recognition they deserve for this.”

Newly appointed Chief Constable Jo Shiner, said: "I’m immensely proud of the hard work our officers and staff are doing to support domestic abuse survivors and encourage them to report.

“It was good to demonstrate to the Home Secretary how we have adapted during the COVID19 lockdown with initiatives that ensure we can support people at risk and find them a safe space.

“We are very clear that domestic abuse remains a priority for us, and we have and will continue to respond, arresting perpetrators and protecting vulnerable people.

“The opportunity for some members of our new teams created and funded from precept and Op Uplift, including the Tactical Enforcement Units, the new Rural Crime Team as well as our Local Resolution Team, to meet the Home Secretary was also a highlight. They, along with officers and staff, police with pride and professionalism to keep the public safe every day.”