City Police data reveals high positive outcomes for victims as new strategy published
City of London Police and City of London Corporation have published their first joint Victims’ Strategy to improve services and outcomes for victims of crime in the Square Mile.
The new strategy, published on Friday (February 14) sets out how the Corporation and force will work together to ensure victims’ voices are heard and are at the heart of the services they provide. It will improve information and communication for victims, support procedural justice for victims throughout their case, improve multi-agency working with other justice sector partners, and further professionalise local services.
More broadly, the strategy will make sure that the City is ready to deliver the new measures from the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 and seeks to increase trust and confidence in the police by improving services and outcomes for victims.
The latest statistics also show that City of London Police continues to be one of the top-performing forces in the country for positive outcome for victims.
City of London Police outcome rate for victims was 19 per cent for 2023/24, which is well above the national average of 11 per cent.
The force has increased its outcomes for victims of serious violence and securing justice for violence against women and girls victims, with a positive outcome rate that is four times higher than national average.
City of London Police has already made significant improvements in surveying victims of crime in the Square Mile and responding to their feedback in real-time. Low satisfaction ratings automatically alert supervisors to review the victims’ case and determine what further action needs to be taken, such as additional engagement.
Commissioner Pete O’Doherty said: “Our outcome rates for crime in the City are high and we’re determined to do all that we can as a police force to protect and further improve that position for victims.
“This strategy sets out our plan for how we will build on the good work we are doing and meet our commitment to victims over the next three years.”
The strategy recognises the continuing need to build public trust and confidence in policing and that many victims currently experience lengthy waits for a court date and trial outcomes. The force will improve victim support throughout their criminal justice journey and work closely with justice partners to communicate delays in proceedings.
Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, Tijs Broeke, said: “Supporting victims is at the heart of everything our police officers and staff do, and it is a key priority for the Police Authority Board.
“I know a great deal of vital work is already underway.
“The launch of the Victims Strategy strengthens our unwavering commitment to putting victims first.
“By listening to their needs and delivering a compassionate, responsive service, we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure every victim receives the support and justice they deserve.”
Claire Waxman OBE, London’s Victims’ Commissioner, added: “Victims are a vital part of our justice system. We rely on them to report and stay engaged in a difficult process in order for justice to be done and the public to be kept safe, and so I’m pleased to see the City of London Police’s recognition of this central role played by victims with the launch of its Victims Strategy.
“With the Victims and Prisoners Act setting a clear expectation that good victim care and guidance must be delivered to victims, I welcome these efforts to ensure victims are having their needs properly assessed, are receiving clear communication on their case, and are getting referrals to specialist support.”