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| Rape investigations 'overwhelming burden' on Met Police | Rape investigations 'overwhelming burden' on Met Police |
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| The Metropolitan Police need to change they way they handle rape complaints after a report highlighted an "overwhelming burden" on officers, a review has found. | The Metropolitan Police need to change they way they handle rape complaints after a report highlighted an "overwhelming burden" on officers, a review has found. |
| It has made 46 recommendations to improve the way in which officers and prosecutors handle rape complaints. | It has made 46 recommendations to improve the way in which officers and prosecutors handle rape complaints. |
| Report author Dame Elish Angiolini has called for officers "to undertake radical change". | Report author Dame Elish Angiolini has called for officers "to undertake radical change". |
| The Met said the report "shines an honest light" on their failings. | The Met said the report "shines an honest light" on their failings. |
| The review found a 68% rise in rape and penetrative offences recorded by the Met from 2005-6 to 2013-14, but there was only a 17% increase in offences charged within that time, the figures show. | The review found a 68% rise in rape and penetrative offences recorded by the Met from 2005-6 to 2013-14, but there was only a 17% increase in offences charged within that time, the figures show. |
| Dame Elish said: "Some of the recommendations will require a willingness to undertake radical change in the approach to these cases." | |
| The review, entitled Report of the Independent Review into the Investigation and Prosecution of Rape in London, said decisions on whether to charge people were often being made by officers without any advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, which the author described as "of concern". | |
| The recommendations, which address areas including resourcing, improved training, enhanced victim care and changing the law regarding alcohol and consent, were made after discussions with rape victims and officers over the course of a year. | |
| Dame Elish also states the system risks being "overwhelmed" by increased reporting of rape. | |
| The report states: "Whatever the reason, it is clear that the increase in reporting is putting an overwhelming burden on staff and concern is expressed about the Metropolitan Police Service's ability to effectively manage its increasing workload." | |
| Met Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said: "Even though changes have been made - including the reallocation of murder teams to the rape command - this report shines an honest light on what the whole system must do to ensure victims and survivors get the very best service. | |
| "I am determined to lead an integrated response which will deliver a first class service with the victim at its heart." |