Investigation of serious offences 029/2022

FOI Reference: 029/2022

Request:

I am writing to enquire what, if any, changes Dyfed- Powys have made to their policies, procedures or practices since the judgement in the case Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v DSD and Another [2018] UKSC 11. The case, broadly speaking, has set the precedent that police services have a duty to effectively investigate serious offences (i.e., sexual offences and serious violence) committed by a perpetrator under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Where they fail to do so, and these police failings amount to substantial and significant errors, the victim of crime can now sue the police for compensation. 

1. If there have been changes made to policies, procedures or practices, please indicate what these are and attach any relevant and available documentation regarding these changes.

2. If there have not been any changes, please indicate why this is the case. 

3. Further, I ask if Dyfed- Powys have had any claims launched through this route since the judgment from other victims. Please provide any details possible if so.

4. Finally, has Dyfed- Powys developed or adapted any training to include discussion of the judgement in the case Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v DSD and Another [2018] UKSC 11 or the implications of said judgement? If so, how so? If not, why not? 

Response 1:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

I can confirm that there is no information held by Dyfed-Powys Police due to the fact that

Dyfed-Powys Police have not made any changes to the policies, procedures or practices in response to the judgement.

Response 2:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

I can confirm that there is no information held by Dyfed-Powys Police due to the fact that changes have been made to either the policies, procedures or practices (singularly or collectively) as a result of a restructure within the force, and not because of the judgement.  The changes make no reference to, and does not need it, to the case of Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v DSD and Another [2018] UKSC 11 or any other caselaw or specific case, but is written in accordance with all legislation.

Response 3:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

Response 4:

I can confirm that there is no information held by Dyfed-Powys Police due to the fact that this training is not conducted internally by Dyfed-Powys Police. This is not something that is referenced on our Curriculum for CID training.

Please note: It is expected that considerations for changes to SIO training would be made at a higher lever for Policy making.

It should be noted that as a result of the systems adopted by Dyfed-Powys Police in relation to the recording of such information that the information released may or may not be accurate.

(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 14/02/2022)