Homicide investigations 051/2022

FOI Reference: 051/2022

Request:

1) Do you have a specific policy in place for reviewing homicide investigations? (yes or no).

2) Do you have a designated review team, e.g. Major Crime Review Team, Cold Case Unit? (yes or no). If yes, please specify the name of the team/unit/department.

3) Which types of review might you conduct for homicide investigations? Please respond yes or no to each of the following. Where reviews are undertaken, please specify all individuals who might be involved in the review, e.g. Senior Investigating Officer, Review Officer, Forensic Scientist, Crime Scene Manager, etc.:

a) 72 hours? If yes, please specify who might be involved in the review.

b) 7-10 days? If yes, please specify who might be involved in the review.

c) 28 days? If yes, please specify who might be involved in the review.

d) Cold case review? If yes, please specify who might be involved in the review.

e) Conclusion (may also be known as a debrief)? If yes, please specify who might be involved in the review.

f) Other? If yes, please specify the type of review and who might be involved.

4) Do you have a specific policy in place for reviewing missing people? (yes or no).

5) Which role or team have responsibility for reviewing missing people? (please specify).

6) At what point might you review a missing person? (please specify, indicating, for example, how this is based on risk and/or period missing or other factors).

7) Do you have an independent case review panel or independent members who are involved in reviews of homicide investigations and/or missing people? (yes/no). If yes, please specify which kinds of review they are involved in.

Response 1:

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

No review of homicide investigations is referenced in the force Investigation of Major Crime Policy (which is currently under review)

Response 2:

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

The force does not have a designated review team, this function is conducted by Major Crime Support Team in respect of cold case reviews

Response 3a:

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

The answer is ‘No’.

Response 3b:

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

Yes. ‘Peer Review’ would be considered in instances where a homicide investigation remains unresolved after 7 days; where a group of nominated skilled and experienced practitioners would provide support to the SIO

Response 3c:

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

Yes. Full 28 day review would be instigated if a case has not been detected 28 days from the outset of the investigation in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding agreed between Gwent Police, Dyfed Powys Police and South Wales Police.

Response 3d:

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

Cold case review commissioned by Chief Officer and terms of refence agreed with designated independent Review Officer, in consultation with head of CID and SIO.

Response 3e:

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

A debrief is conducted at the conclusion of all major crime enquiries and will be attended by the SIO, OIC, CSM, DMC, FLC, Tier 5 Interview advisor, MIR staff, House to House co-ordinator, POLSA etc. (attendees may vary in light of the investigation and investigative considerations throughout the enquiry and where appropriate may include external contributors).

Response 3f:

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

The force participates in the following reviews: i) MAPPA serious case reviews ii) Police Internal Management Reviews iii) Serious Case Reviews (Child Practice Review/ Adult Practice Review) and Domestic Homicide Reviews; reviews may also be undertaken in undetected stranger Rape investigations also in accordance with those detailed for Homicide in response to question 3.

Response 4:

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

The answer is ‘Yes’.

Response 5:

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

Dyfed-Powys Police has a Vulnerability Unit which has responsibility for reviewing missing people.

Response 6:

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

There are set review dates. For example, high risk missing persons should be reviewed immediately, low and medium at 48hrs. All missing persons will be reviewed by a senior detective at 28 days and then 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.

Response 7:

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

Regional Safeguarding Boards have responsibility to undertake multiagency reviews in circumstances where abuse or neglect of an adult at risk or child is known or suspect – Dyfed-Powys Police will form part of the Multi-agency review panel. External agencies may also be engaged with during a missing person review.

                                                                                                           

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)