Super-complaint: Police response to reports of stalking
In November 2022, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust submitted a super-complaint on behalf of the National Stalking Consortium, on the police response to stalking. The super complaint can be read in full here.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is leading a joint investigation into this super-complaint with His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service (HMICFRS) and the College of Policing.
Our joint investigation will explore and respond to the concerns raised by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. The investigation will consider both the barriers and facilitators to effective police responses to stalking, including appropriate support and protection to victims. The investigation is an opportunity to help drive improvements in police response to stalking.
Our investigation will involve:
- reviewing a sample of crime files for stalking and other related offences across selected forces in England and Wales
- reviewing recent IOPC cases relating to stalking
- speaking to victims, officers, policing leaders, victims support services and other stakeholders, including members of the National Stalking Consortium
- reviewing data, research and previous inspections and reports relating to stalking
We are aiming to publish our findings and recommendations in 2024.
About super-complaints
The police super-complaints system is designed to consider complaints about systemic issues in policing. Only organisations that are designated by the Home Secretary can make a super-complaint – this includes the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
Information about the super-complaints system and previous super complaints can be found on the gov.uk website.
Information on stalking
Stalking is illegal and can include being followed or repeatedly harassed by another person, including online. Advice on reporting stalking and organisations you can contact for support and advice is available on the gov.uk website.