COP59_2024 Operation Soteria Pillar 5 Contextual Investigations

The requirement is to support police forces as they implement the National Operating Model for the investigation of rape and support those investigating rape and sexual offences to build strong and thorough cases which are suspect-focused, victim-centred and context-led. This includes developing, or supporting the Authority to develop, products which may be incorporated into the National Operating Model for the investigation of rape and serious sexual offences, with a view to ensuring the Model can be sustained by policing, from entry to strategic management and leadership.

Pillar 5 aims to deliver work to ensure there is a contextual approach to RASSO investigations both in terms of equality and application of the law. A consistent criticism raised by the Operation Soteria Bluestone advisory groups and boards is the need for inclusion and equality of access, treatment and service for minoritised and disadvantaged groups. Successful implementation of the NOM means embedding an equalities approach that seeks to address all members of the public, not just majority groups. There are a number of deliverables required from the Supplier.