Police trained on handling sexual violence crimes

Nearly 160 sexual offences were recorded in Guernsey in 2023

Officers from Guernsey Police have completed training aimed at improving the investigation of rape and serious sexual offences, bosses say.

A specialist team from the UK, alongside academics from the Open University, delivered the training on Guernsey as part of the UK's Operation Soteria programme, a partnership of police, prosecutors and academics.

The sessions focused on advanced investigative tools, techniques and knowledge developed to enhance police responses to sexual violence, said Guernsey Police.

In 2023, 159 sexual offences, including 34 of rape and 54 of sexual assault, were recorded, according to the latest available figures in the Guernsey Law Enforcement report.

'Hugely helpful'

"Tackling serious sexual offences and violence against women and girls is a top priority for us," said Ch Insp Andrew Hockey of Guernsey Police.

Chief Officer Damian Kitchen also called the training "hugely helpful".

"We are doing many good things, but there are areas we can and will improve on," he said.

"I will ask the team to return and assess our progress."

He also issued a message to the public: "If you are a victim of sexual offending, no matter when it happened, please come forward.

"Guernsey Police is committed to supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice."