Suspect strategy

Summary

The suspect strategy provides guidance on managing suspects in domestic abuse investigations, outlining procedures from arrest to post-release management. It emphasizes timely actions to safeguard victims, preserve evidence, and manage risks effectively. Officers must make decisions concerning arrests, detentions, interviews, charging, and bail in alignment with investigative priorities and victim safety. A consistent, evidence-led approach is required, regardless of victim willingness to support prosecution. Collaboration among officers, custody staff, the CPS, and partner agencies is crucial for ensuring offender accountability and preventing further harm. Guidance is included on using bail conditions, custody planning, suspect interviewing, and preparing for CPS referrals, which should all consider the context of domestic abuse dynamics.

Key principles

• 1Timely and proportionate actions to safeguard victims and preserve evidence.
• 2Adopt an evidence-led approach with a focus on justice and risk management.
• 3Collaboration is essential among law enforcement, custody officers, and partner agencies.
• 4Follow the specific procedures for arrest, detention, and interviewing of suspects in domestic abuse cases.
• 5Regularly inform victims about the progress and outcomes of their cases.

Defined terms

Bail conditions

Key safeguarding measures following arrest.

Primary perpetrator

The main individual responsible for the offending behavior.

CPS

Crown Prosecution Service, responsible for prosecuting criminal cases.

PACE

Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, governing police powers in England and Wales.

DVPNs and DVPOs

Domestic Violence Protection Notices and Domestic Violence Protection Orders, used to protect victims from further harm.