Police response to a report of domestic assault – South Yorkshire Police, June 2021

In June 2021, Lincolnshire Police received a report about a domestic incident that had just happened in South Yorkshire. The caller reported that the suspect had left, and the victim had locked herself in the house. Lincolnshire Police contacted South Yorkshire Police (SYP) and provided details of the incident.

South Yorkshire Police graded the incident as a medium risk priority response, requiring officer attendance within one hour. SYP called the victim who denied the incident. During this call, a man who was with the victim, spoke to the police and appeared to be angry and hostile towards the police. SYP dispatched officers who were subsequently diverted to another incident before conducting the welfare check.

SYP kept the incident open so that a welfare check could be completed. Attempts were made to contact the victim, but she did not respond.

SYP also contacted the initial caller to obtain more information. They advised the police that they had spoken to the victim and they were unharmed. Two days after the initial call from the police, the victim was found to have sustained significant injuries, which it is believed were caused by the suspect.

We obtained audio calls made and received by Lincolnshire Police and SYP in relation to this incident. Witness statements were taken from Lincolnshire Police and SYP staff. We reviewed national and local policies relating to grading incident and dealing with domestic incidents.

We finalised our investigation in January 2022.

During our investigation there was no indication any police officer may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence.

We identified organisational learning for call handlers in both forces, with regards to ensuring that all key information is added to the incident log. However, we did not deem it necessary to issue learning recommendations on the basis that the policies of SYP regarding the handling and escalation of calls is clear, and it appears that where policy was not followed this is for individual learning.