Stalking: GMP response to Suzy Lamplugh Trust Stalking Super-complaint

In November 2022, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust submitted a super-complaint regarding the police response to stalking on behalf of the National Stalking Consortium.

A super-complaint is a complaint where “a feature, or combination of features, of policing in England and Wales by one, or more than one, police force is, or appears to be, significantly harming the interests of the public” (Section 29A, Police Reform Act 2002).  The super-complaints system is designed to examine problems of local, regional, or national significance. More information on police super-complaints and the process for making a super-complaint is on the government police super-complaint webpage.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and the College of Policing jointly investigated the super-complaint to decide if the features of policing raised are significantly harming the interests of the public, and, if so, what should be done about it.

We welcome the findings of this joint investigation into the national police response to stalking. We are fully committed to transparently addressing the recommendations set for forces by publishing our action plan and subsequent regular progress updates.

Stalking is a serious crime that can have a devastating effect, leaving victims feeling in constant fear. In some cases, stalking can tragically escalate to serious physical harm, or murder.

We want to ensure the communities of Greater Manchester, particularly victims, feel reassured that reports of stalking will be treated seriously by GMP, and preventative safeguarding measures will be implemented wherever possible.

This means recognising stalking behaviours, and the risks associated with this crime, keeping victims and the public safe, and pursuing perpetrators, by investigating reports proportionately, effectively and taking appropriate action to stop offending and seek justice.

We have already made significant progress in improving our response to stalking, working with the Deputy Mayor’s office to develop a dedicated Stalking Triage Centre based within our Public Protection Governance Unit in April 2024. This is staffed by subject matter experts who are available to provide support and guidance to front line officers and offer specialist advice on the process of applying for Stalking Protection Orders. 

We will seek to further develop this initiative to further improve our response, particularly in support of our wider work to address Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

I am grateful to the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and the National Stalking Consortium for raising this important issue and to all those victims who bravely shared their experiences.

ACC Steph Parker

Vision

Our vision for Public Protection in Greater Manchester Police is to be Victim Centred, Suspect Focussed and Context Led.

Victim Centred - This principle underscores the importance of keeping victims at the heart of the entire investigation process. This should result in fair investigations that remove myths and stereotypes which bias investigations.  Research undertaken to underpin this model shows that investigations often over focus on scrutinising the credibility of victims and left victims feeling that they were under investigation, not the suspect.  Procedural justice principles should underpin all officer interactions with victims, and victim rights and needs should inform officers decision making. 

Suspect Focussed - This principle recognises the significance of conducting thorough and fair investigations that gather evidence and scrutinise the actions of suspects. Officers should develop and apply with confidence knowledge of offending behaviour to identify relevant lines of inquiry. Specialist knowledge about offending behaviour and its impact on vulnerable victims should inform investigations and prevention.  

Context Led - This principle acknowledges that wider circumstances provide the context within which offences happen. By considering the broader social, cultural, and situational factors of relationships surrounding each offence, investigators can gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics involved, the impact on the victim and assessing the suspect’s offending behaviour when applying the legal standard.  Officers must take the context of the offence into consideration from the moment it is disclosed. This includes the victim-suspect relationship, the victim context - including whether they want an investigation; and the suspect context - uncovered through a suspect focussed investigation. 

In response to the recommendations and findings of the stalking super complaint we will also seek to address the following key themes:

• Improve identification and response: Training officers to better identify stalking patterns and respond proactively.
• Enhance risk assessments: Introducing more robust, dynamic assessments that account for escalating stalking behaviours.
• Strengthen victim support: Ensuring consistent communication and tailored support for stalking victims throughout the investigation.
• Improve data and collaboration: Encouraging the collection, analysis and sharing of stalking data across agencies for better decision-making.
• Take a multi-agency approach: Promoting stronger partnerships with external services, such as mental health and victim support organisations, to provide comprehensive interventions.

Governance

As a demonstration of our commitment to deliver a comprehensive action plan for the communities of Greater Manchester, this piece of work will be led by ACC Steph Parker, Force Lead for Vulnerability and Public Protection; Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Jones, Head of Public Protection; and Detective Superintendent Toby Facey, Force Lead for Adults at Risk and Domestic Abuse. Other areas across the force will also come together to support the delivery of the actual plan and long-lasting change.

Find a link to GMP’s action plan here.

Latest News

Link to news article on STC - Stalking Triage Centre aims high for improving response to stalking and harassment in GM | Greater Manchester Police