PCC writes to Home Secretary asking for ‘clearer communications guidance’ for police forces
Warwickshire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) Philip Seccombe has written to the Home Secretary to call for “urgent updates to national police guidance on media relations” following the public and political reaction to the alleged rape of 12-year old-girl in Nuneaton.
Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, and Mohammad Kabir, 23, have since been charged in connection with the reported rape on Tuesday July 22. Both are due to appear at Warwick Crown Court on August 26.
The case has prompted strong public concern and commentary around the release of information, including the immigration status of those accused.
The leader of Warwickshire County Council, Councillor George Finch, shared a letter on social media alleging the suspects were asylum seekers and accusing the Warwickshire Police and the Home Office of covering it up.
Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith responded by stating the force “did not and will not cover up such criminality” (see https://policeprofessional.com/news/warwickshire-police-responds-to-cover-up-accusations-over-nuneaton-rape/).
Mr Seccombe said: “This is a horrific crime and my thoughts continue to be with the victim and her family at this incredibly difficult time.
As PCC, I am holding Warwickshire Police to account and will continue to do so. In the past few days I have sought and received clear assurances around the investigation, the safeguarding of the victim, and how wider community concerns are being addressed.
“I’ve also questioned the approach taken to public communication, as that has been the focus of much debate.
“Like all forces, Warwickshire Police finds itself in a difficult position of trying to carefully balance the legal safeguards which protect the integrity of the judicial process, while maintaining public order and simultaneously ensuring that public confidence is maintained through transparency and honesty.”
He added: “Currently police forces are in an invidious position when deciding what can and should be disclosed in sensitive cases, given that the national guidance is silent on both the ethnicity and immigration status of suspects.
“It is very easy to criticise and suggest that the balance of disclosure hasn’t been correct, but it is much harder to take these decisions on the ground.”
Mr Seccombe welcomed the Home Secretary’s statement on Tuesday (August 5) that work is already under way by the Home Office and the College of Policing to review the national guidance – known as the Authorised Professional Practice on Media Relations. However, he urged that this must be completed at pace to support consistency across all forces.
He said: “It is imperative that police forces have revised guidance as soon as possible, so everyone has the clarity needed on what information will be released, when it will be released and by whom, for any incidents going forward”.
Warwickshire Police continues to investigate the Nuneaton rape offence. While detectives do not believe anyone else was involved, they are continuing to appeal for witnesses who were in the Cheveral Street area of Nuneaton between 8.30pm and 9.45pm on the day of the incident.