Kent Police sign lists rape as ‘non-emergency’ crime

The poster in Maidstone police station has been taken down, Kent Police said

Kent Police has come under fire for displaying a sign listing rape and sexual assault as "non-emergency" crimes in a police station.

The A4 printout urged Maidstone residents to report "non-emergency enquiries" via an online form.

The list included anti-social behaviour, missing persons and fraud.

Police said it was part of their Click B4 U Call campaign, which encouraged people, where suitable, to use online reporting to free up call handlers.

The poster, which was put up by a member of police staff at the front counter in Maidstone police station, has since been taken down, the force said.

It has been replaced by a poster clarifying advice about how best to report crimes to the police.

Catherine Smith, chief executive of the Women's Equality Party, said she was worried about the message the sign sent to victims of these crimes.

"There needs to be a human involved in speaking to the people who experience this," she said.

"It demonstrates that the police are not prioritising this crime, and it sends a message to women that what happened to them is not something serious."

Det Ch Supt Emma Banks said Kent Police urged anyone in immediate danger to call 999.

"Doing so can make the difference between arresting a suspect at the scene and in some cases saving a life," she said.

"We also support victims in reporting offences in a number of other ways, often for crimes which are not in progress and which may have happened in the past. This can be done online, or through means including text messaging services.

"In some cases you will be offered an immediate video call with an officer, and when appropriate a patrol will be sent to see you."

The poster in Maidstone police station has been taken down, Kent Police said

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott described the sign as "completely wrong and totally inappropriate".

"It should never have been put up and was rightly taken down," he said in a tweet.

Det Ch Supt Banks added that Kent Police took investigations of domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault "extremely seriously".

"All reports of rape or sexual assault, made through whatever channel are reviewed by a detective sergeant, and are ultimately overseen by a senior officer as part of a thorough review process aimed at ensuring justice and support for all victims," she said.

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