Guernsey’s police officers have been getting some additional training as the force continues working to tackle sex offences in the island.
A team from the UK has delivered training to Guernsey Police to support the investigation of local rape and serious sexual assault offences (RASSO) cases moving forward.
The team are all part of a programme from ‘Operation Soteria’ – a unit aimed at ‘Transforming the Investigation of Rape’, that was developed in response to national concerns around the increasing epidemic of violence against females.
Nationally accredited, the training focuses on cutting edge information, knowledge, skills and tools that “transform the police response to RASSO and to provide better outcomes and procedural justice for all” said the training team.
Chief Officer Damian Kitchen who received the training said its aimed at providing better outcomes for victims.
“We are doing many good things, but there are also areas we can and will improve on. I intend to implement a plan rapidly on the back of this to continue the good results we have… with a series of sexual offences reaching court. I will then ask the team to revisit us and assess our progress.”
The Law Officers attended the training sessions alongside Guernsey Police, with Chief Inspector Andrew Hockey saying they’ve taken much of the learning on board.
“This training has provided officers with access to skills, tools and online products designed to aid in the investigation of ‘RASSO’ offences, and also with the ability to pass on this knowledge to other colleagues.
“Tackling serious sexual offences and violence against women and girls is a priority for us, and also I know a priority for the States of Guernsey and the Committee for Home Affairs, so we are committed to doing all we can to ensure we are working to best practices, and providing the best support we can to victims.”