Unrecorded rape claims spark fury

Sep 27 2009 by Nigel Green, Sunday Sun

POLICE forces in the North have come under fire over the way officers investigate rapes.

Around half of all complaints made to Northumbria Police and Durham Constabulary are not recorded in Government reports.

Statistics released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal 172 of the 382 rape allegations received by Northumbria were not recorded in Home Office reports.

In Durham, of 130 allegations made, 83 were not recorded.

Durham say the figures have been misinterpreted and Northumbria say they are changing procedures.

However, the Northumbria and Durham figures are the highest in the UK and have revealed large discrepancies as some forces’ figures detail all rape allegations.

The revelation has sparked criticism from the Fawcett Society, which campaigns for better justice for women.

Campaigns and Policy Officer Sharon Smee attacked the high levels of “no criming” and the inconsistencies between forces.

She added: “A previous review of rape cases in 2007, revealed that 31.8 per cent of cases recorded as “no crimes” were non-compliant with recording rules.

“Victim withdrawals or cases where the police thought victims lacked credibility were being incorrectly classified as no-crimes.

“The figures suggest this practice is continuing in many police areas.

“We are calling for a review of recording practices for rape cases so that rape victims get the support, safety and justice they deserve from our justice system.”

Det Supt Andy Reddick, of Durham Constabulary, said the figures had been misinterpreted.