Response to Stalking super complaint
Updated March 2026
In September 2024, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) published its report following the Suzy Lamplugh Super‑Complaint into the police response to stalking. The report contained 29 recommendations for policing, government and criminal justice partners, with 14 directed towards Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners.
Thames Valley Police (TVP) had already taken proactive steps prior to publication. In early 2023, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust conducted an extensive review of our response to stalking, provided enhanced training to key departments and supported the development of a revised Stalking Action Plan and internal audit processes. These foundations have since enabled TVP to strengthen its approach significantly.
Most recommendations have now been delivered or embedded; however, a small number remain ongoing, particularly Recommendation 7 relating to crime‑recording search functionality.
1. Laying Strong Foundations for an Effective Stalking Response
Stalking is a force priority and central to our commitment to tackling Violence Against Women and Girls. Stalking is categorised as a Red Box offence under our Crime Management Framework, ensuring enhanced scrutiny, supervisory oversight and rigorous investigative standards.
To reduce confusion between stalking and harassment, TVP separated these crime classifications in 2022 and implemented a dedicated force structure, including specialist Stalking Detective Sergeants, the training of Stalking TAC advisors and revised Stalking Operational Guidance. Significant training has been delivered to new recruits, detectives, call takers and specialist teams.
Recommendation 7 – Crime Recording Searchability (Ongoing)
TVP has not yet been able to deliver the full system changes required to make included classifications searchable within crime records. This remains dependent on a national technical release scheduled for late 2026. A local task‑and‑finish group is exploring interim options, including automated flags, intelligence records and template improvements.
This is the primary outstanding recommendation for TVP.
We continue to review and update our operational guidance to ensure alignment with national recording changes for stalking, harassment and coercive/controlling behaviour.
2. Meeting Expected Standards and Delivering High‑Quality Investigations
Since 2022, TVP has benefited from a strong partnership with Aurora New Dawn, whose Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers (ISACs) provide comprehensive victim support. This partnership has significantly enhanced safeguarding, engagement and continuity, and is now funded until March 2028.
Monthly Stalking Panels operate across Local Command Units, ensuring consistent oversight of risk, investigative quality, victim contact and offender management. This includes monitoring of Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) to ensure all subjects are being effectively and pro-actively managed. This approach has enabled officers to identify further offending and breaches of SPO’s at the earliest opportunity. The number of SPO’s have increased since the introduction of Harm Reduction Units, working alongside our Stalking Detective Sergeants and Legal Services Department.
Training continues to expand, with targeted CPD programmes (including a PIP1 package releasing in April 2026), and strengthened digital investigation training delivered alongside the DII Team.
Victim experience continues to inform improvements through Aurora New Dawn feedback, ISAC involvement at stations and local scrutiny panels.
3. Implementing What Works and Strengthening Multi‑Agency Working
Risk identification has been substantially improved through the introduction of the Stalking Screening Tool within Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment (DARA), updated STA1 templates and strengthened investigative guidance.
TVP has significantly increased its use of Stalking Protection Orders, supported by strong partnership working with legal services and probation. The Compulsive and Obsessive Behaviour Intervention (COBI) programme continues to be used where appropriate, with OPCC funding extended into September 2026.
Online stalking remains a growing area of concern. TVP has incorporated enhanced training, digital safety advice and updated operational guidance to ensure officers are equipped to recognise and respond to technology‑enabled abuse. The DII knowledge hub and training packages have been refreshed to reflect current threats and investigative opportunities.
Multi‑agency partnerships remain central to our approach. TVP works closely with other Police Forces nationwide to learn and share good practice. We work closely with probation, healthcare providers and other key stakeholders nationwide, ensuring a multi-agency approach to risk management. Stalking DSs attend MAPPA Level 2 and Level 3 meetings where appropriate, ensuring a joined‑up approach to managing high‑risk perpetrators.
Summary
Thames Valley Police has made substantial progress since the Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s review in 2023, delivering the majority of recommendations directed at police forces. We have strengthened investigative standards, enhanced victim support, improved risk management and multi‑agency partnerships.
The only significant area still in development is Recommendation 7, which relies on national system changes due for release in late 2026. In the meantime, TVP is pursuing local interim solutions to strengthen searchability and crime‑recording accuracy.
TVP remains fully committed to delivering a consistent, high‑quality response to stalking, supporting victims and reducing the harm caused by stalking behaviours across the Thames Valley.