Police actions following report of rape - Northamptonshire Police, March 2018

In March 2018 a woman contacted Northamptonshire Police to make an allegation of historic domestic rape against a former partner. Officers took an initial statement from her. The officer in charge (OIC) then organised for a video interview with the woman to be recorded. The OIC then went on annual leave and told the woman that they would contact her on their return, early April. While the OIC was on annual leave, a further allegation of rape was made against the same man by another woman.

Our investigation looked into whether the delay in arresting the suspect contributed to the rape alleged by the second woman.

During the investigation, investigators obtained a statement from the OIC and looked into the incident logs and investigation records for both allegations.

Based on the evidence available, we were of the opinion that a reasonable tribunal could infer that the OIC conducted a risk assessment – albeit not documented in the investigation record – before going on leave. We were of the opinion that a reasonable tribunal could conclude that the arrest and questioning of the suspect would not have prevented the second alleged rape.

The investigation found no indication that any person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings.

After reviewing our report, the force agreed with our findings.

We completed our investigation in July 2018, but waited until criminal proceedings had concluded before publishing its outcomes.