GMP response to Monday's Channel 4 news report

Our full response to tonight’s report on Channel 4 News: “When GMP receives a report of a crime, we investigate allegations and follow every line of enquiry – which often involves arrest. Where someone’s experience of GMP does not meet their expectation, we fully support and encourage their right to hold us to account via the police complaints system because we want to improve our service. 

"However, we do not discriminate against those who exercise their rights, do not seek to silence detractors, and we refute the suggestion that we target or deliberately arrest individuals who raise complaints. 

“The arrest involving ‘Kass’ in September 2023 was completely unrelated to her complaint about the rape investigation in 2019 or her meeting with the Mayor.

“Kass’’ complaints about the rape investigation in 2019 found that there were some shortcomings in parts of the investigation and in comments made to her by the investigating officer. Remedial action was taken including the officer receiving ‘Victim Focus’ training.  Following an appeal made by Kass, the GMP response to the complaint was reviewed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority who requested some further areas for improvement which have also been acted upon.

“Following ‘Kass’’ meeting with the Mayor, a senior investigator re-examined the case and concluded that it would be unlikely that further evidence would be gained in any reinvestigation which would be of sufficient quality to overcome the evidential difficulties identified by the CPS, who declined to prosecute.

“Like many forces, GMP has made improvements in recent years – piloting the national Operation Soteria Bluestone model to ensure investigations are victim-centred, suspect-focussed, and evidence-based – ultimately improving outcomes. This has involved specialist training for student officers and those who investigate sexual offences. We still have a long way to go but are pleased that the improvements made to date have led to GMP having amongst the highest positive outcomes for rape across the country.”