Police domestic abuse training 'unfit for purpose'

The email said the situation "damages public confidence" in policing

Police training on when to charge people accused of domestic abuse has been labelled as "not fit for purpose" in an internal email posted online.

The correspondence, which was sent in June 2023, highlighted issues surrounding the training and support given to Guernsey's custody sergeants - particularity for cases involving domestic abuse.

The officer writing the email said that, in their view, the police "as an organisation" is "setting up custody sergeants to fail" because they were "not given tools".

Deputy Chief Officer Richard Bell said the email "quite rightly identifies areas for improvement".

'Two small paragraphs'

The email compared guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service in England and Wales and what was given to officers locally.

It said: "CPS lawyers after many years of legal training are given extensive legal guidance and additional training around charging domestic abuse.

"Their own prosecution guidance published online is an extensive document.

"In contrast, we provide two small paragraphs that cover domestic violence.

"Custody sergeants report that training provided regarding making complex charging decisions is inadequate and not fit for purpose."

The email also highlighted that there was a lack of "safeguarding legislation", which meant officers were "pressured" to charge suspects to safeguard victims.

It also raised concerns of the community's view of Guernsey Police when cases were dropped at court due to lack of evidence.

It said: "It damages public confidence in [policing] and the criminal justice system."

'Can always do more'

Mr Bell said in response that new legislation was due to be introduced would help officers safeguard victims and manage offenders.

He said: "The introduction of pre-charge bail conditions will place restrictions on offenders released whilst under investigation, and the use of domestic abuse protection notices (DAPN) will prohibit contact between an offender and victim even if we have insufficient evidence to charge."

The law is set to be debated and voted on in the States later this week.

However, Mr Bell said that was just a "starting point".

He said: "In anticipation, I have already commissioned a review of our training needs to ensure our officers and staff are equipped and supported to use the new powers.

"We can always do more, which is why our professional standards department in collaboration with learning and development team are responsive to feedback and any concerns raised."