A dedicated unit to investigate serious sexual assaults is being launched in Portsmouth—and is the first of its kind outside of London. The “Crystal” Unit as it is being known, will be based at Fratton police station. It is a Home Office funded pilot project and has been set up in recognition of the need to improve detections, outcomes and customer satisfaction.
The Portsmouth unit is unique in that it will be closely evaluated and examined at every stage of its operation. Its performance will also be compared to that of Southampton’s - where there is no dedicated unit. The unit will have dedicated staff who will deal solely with serious sexual assault investigations. It is led by a Detective Inspector, and is made up of six Detective Constables, two Detective Sergeants and four Sexual Offence Trained Investigators.
It will also benefit from dedicated CPS lawyers who will work with the unit from an early stage in a bid to improve the strength of cases put before the courts. Staff on the Crystal Unit will also be working closely with partnership agencies such as the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), known as Treetops, in Cosham, and Portsmouth City Council’s Early Intervention Project.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard John, who will oversee the unit said: “The Crystal Unit spells out our commitment to survivors of these terrible crimes. We want to give them the confidence to report serious sexual assaults to us, and to know that we will do our very best to bring offenders to justice.
“This is the first opportunity anywhere in the country to examine in detail why people sometimes do not proceed through the criminal justice system.
“It is a sad fact that nationally, 38 per cent of cases are lost at the pre-charge stage when we, the police, deal with people. A further 40 per cent drop out at the CPS stage. The aim of the Crystal Unit is to provide a dedicated, multi agency, gold standard service.”
He added: “It is of course, not in our gift to ensure a conviction at court, but we do have the power to make sure that all the evidence is presented in as strong a case as possible.”
SARC Centre manager Mary Bridgman said: “Treetops provides a professional client focused service, with on site crisis intervention, specialist forensic medical examinations and referral to appropriate medical and specialist counselling services.“If someone is undecided about whether to report a rape or serious sexual offence to the police, they have the option of contacting the SARC direct on 023 9221 0352 for support from the Early Intervention Project team and the Young Persons Worker. Forensic samples can be taken to secure evidence in the event they do decide to report to the police in the future.
“Partnership working is integral to us. Our service is available to the police 24/7—and we work closely with Rape Crisis Services across Hampshire.”
The Early Intervention Project is a Portsmouth City Council initiative providing support to women and men who experience sexual violence and or domestic abuse. Shonagh Dillon, project manager said: “We are providing an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) to work in the Crystal Unit. The key element to their role is the independence—the advocate there to support the survivor through the process both practically and emotionally.
“They will additionally provide support and options on the use of the special measures within the court system and attend court with the survivor if required.”
She added: “The ISVA is a vital part of the unit—their use nationally has proved essential in enabling survivors of sexual violence to go through the court process, thus bringing perpetrators of sexual violence to justice.” The Crystal Unit will be under scrutiny from the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to ensure that best practice is taken forward nationally.
For more information about the SARC (The Treetops Centre) click here
