Victims of crime, particularly rape and sexual abuse, will receive improved care at Brixton police station where part of a £10m upgrade of facilities was unveiled today.
A review of Project Sapphire – the Met’s dedicated sexual offences unit – released last week pointed out inadequacies in facilities and stress faced by overworked staff that negatively impacted the treatment of victims.
Brixton police station now contains one of nine new video interview suites created across London in order to improve the experience of victims attending police stations to provide statements.
The work, which began in January, meets one of the key recommendations from review that called for improved facilities for victims of rape and sexual assault.
Stephen Greenhalgh, the deputy mayor for policing and crime, said: “Victims of rape and other sexual offences have experienced some of the most horrific crimes imaginable and need every possible support.
“I’m proud that we are investing £10m of the money raised from the sale of underutilised buildings to deliver these better facilities and new technology.
“This new equipment will dramatically improve the support for victims and increase the chances of bringing perpetrators to justice.
“The new suites are a really positive step towards ensuring more victims have the confidence they need to come forward and report these horrific crimes, and receive a 21st century service.”
Despite an overall reduction in the number of sites, the 43 refurbished victim interview suites along with the nine brand new sites, offers more balanced coverage across London, according to the Met.
Aging recording equipment has been replaced by digital technology in 52 victim suites as part of an upgrade of equipment that will also see equipment replaced in every suspect interview room.
Cmdr Spindler, who heads up the project, said: “This project is about treating victims with greater care, improving criminal justice outcomes, increasing efficiencies through modernisation, and saving costs.
“We have significantly improved our facilities for victims of rape and sexual assault; providing a better and more comfortable environment at a time when they are recounting to police the most traumatic of events.
“The previous facilities had become sub-standard and technology used was unreliable and old, meaning a thorough modernisation approach was needed.”
Picture courtesy of Matt Brown, with thanks
