INVESTIGATIONS into how accusations of rape and sexual assault offences are handled will become more suspect-focused as part of a new “ambitious programme” implemented by the States police.
Operation Soteria was rolled out across the UK in 2021 to address the national concern about rape and serious sexual assault offences, known as RASSO, and the increasing violence against women and girls – with a focus on investigating the suspect rather than the victim.
Combining practitioner knowledge with academic expertise and research, the programme has developed the first National Operating Model for RASSO investigations, which uses six pillars for such cases and is intended for use by all police forces.
Last week, Jersey hosted key training sessions for the force’s RASSO investigators as part of this operation, with senior leaders consulting with the UK’s Operation Soteria Joint Unit to strengthen Jersey’s implementation plan.
Detective Superintendent Alison Fossey, from the States police, said tackling violence against women and girls is “one of our key areas to focus on”.
“To that end we are implementing Operation Soteria, which is an ambitious programme of work to transform the way that rape investigations and prosecutions are handled and progressed, with a focus on investigating the suspect rather than the victim,” she said.
Detective Chief Superintendent Melissa Laremore, the National Police Chiefs’ Council strategic lead, praised the States police for demonstrating their commitment to “transformational change” after the force’s senior leadership team took part in a visit.
She said: “It was encouraging to see chief officer Robin Smith’s support for Operation Soteria, and their understanding of the comprehensive commitment needed across the force to achieve truly transformative change to improve outcomes for victims and support investigators undertaking these often complex investigations.”
The States police regional practice adviser from the NPCC, Nicky Arrowsmith, added: “It was a privilege to meet over 40 colleagues from the States of Jersey Police, who are committed to adopting Operation Soteria, the national programme to assist and guide policing as it develops and improves its investigations of rape and serious sexual assault.
“We focused on our key principles around a ‘victim-centred, suspect-focused and context-led’ approach.
“It was evident from working with States of Jersey Police colleagues that they see Operation Soteria as an opportunity for better outcomes for all victims of rape and serious sexual assault.”
