Are you concerned that 25% of police forces still lack basic sexual‑offence investigation policies?

A national inspection has found that a quarter of police forces still lack basic written policies for handling sexual‑offence investigations, even after years of criticism over poor standards and victim care.

Inspectors warn that without clear rules on evidence gathering, safeguarding and victim communication, forces risk inconsistent decisions, delays and lower conviction rates.

Campaigners say these gaps show policing has not fully learned lessons from recent scandals, and that victims may continue to lose trust unless every force meets the minimum national expectations for investigating rape and other sexual offences.

Are you concerned that 25% of police forces still lack basic sexual‑offence investigation policies?