A report in June 2022 by HMICFRS, The College of Policing and the IOPC highlighted that a number of forces across England and Wales are significantly harming the public interest by the way they are responding to Police Perpetrated Domestic Abuse (PPDA). West Mercia Police was not investigated as part of the report.
A recommendation following the report was made to all Police and Crime Commissioners to ensure the provision of domestic abuse support services and guidance in their force area is capable of meeting the needs of PPDA victims.
In particular, PCCs were asked to consider whether local services are capable of dealing with the specific risks and vulnerabilities of PPDA victims and supporting them when engaging with the police.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “Police officers are not above the law and should be held accountable for their actions. It is vitally important to public trust that allegations of domestic abuse by police officers and staff are dealt with robustly.
“I am committed to tackling domestic abuse regardless of the perpetrator, that’s why I have ensured services in West Mercia have always been set up to support victims of PPDA. I have reaffirmed this commitment by signing the report’s recommendation.
“As the voice of the public in policing, I will continue to hold a formal quarterly performance meeting with West Mercia Police’s head of professional standards to review trends and emerging issues relating to the abuse of authority, such as domestic abuse.”