Operation ‘Bright Light’ Pilot for Domestic Abuse: New directions through the challenging landscape of investigating domestic abuse crimes

• In Event: Improving Policing Responses to Domestic Violence and Abuse: Findings from collaborative academic work in England and Wales

Abstract

Many policing roles have the potential to make important contributions to the investigation of domestic abuse crimes, including call handlers, frontline response officers, Police and Community Support Officers (PCSOs), risk assessors, investigators, detectives, victim support officers, etc. The organisation of this investigative ‘system’ varies across UK police forces, as each tries to adapt and refine their approach to better respond to the challenges associated with policing domestic abuse. Some of these challenges are perineal, but some are relatively recent and a function of the UK legal and policy context. As part of the multi-faceted ‘Bright Light’ project, this paper reports on preliminary findings into the investigative ‘system’ as it currently operates within one English police force. Drawing upon official police data, policy and guidance documents, site visits, interviews and focus groups, we identify some new directions in the investigation of domestic abuse crimes with regard to investigative strategy, evidence collection, risk assessment, children as victims and witnesses, and the identification and management of poor investigative performance within the force. The potential for these to increase the safety of victims and hold perpetrators to account are considered through discussion of the challenging landscape within which police operate.

Authors

• Amanda Robinson, Cardiff University

• Duncan McPhee, University of the West of England

• Bethan Davies, Cardiff University