New unit focuses on crime

A new unit has been created to deal with crimes of sexual abuse and domestic violence.

The public protection unit, at Ollerton Police Station, serves the whole of Newark and Sherwood and Bassetlaw policing division.

It is the first of its kind to be established by Nottinghamshire police and consists of three sergeants and 11 detective constables and police constables.

The new unit takes responsibility for every sexual abuse and domestic violence allegation, makes the arrests, handles the interviews and aids the victims until the cases are concluded.

Officers are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Adult victims of sex crimes are first taken to the police’s sexual assessment referral centre, near Oxclose Lane Police Station in Nottingham, for forensic examination and to be seen by a police doctor before they are interviewed by members of the Ollerton unit in special suites at Newark or Worksop.

From there they can be referred for counselling and to a sexually-transmitted disease clinic.

Child victims must still be examined in hospital with a paediatrician present.

Because of new legislation victims are spared the ordeal of reliving their experiences in the witness stand.

Previously, only children were automatically allowed to give their evidence by video to avoid facing their abusers in court.

Now, adults are given the same protection.

Interviews are taped and evidence given from the Newark or Worksop suites

A camera and microphones are mounted in the ceiling with a live feed to a room across the corridor where a colleague of the interviewing officer records the interview, transcribes notes and is able to prompt the interviewing officer over what to ask.

Interviews can last up to an hour and a half.

Detective Sergeant Wendy Firth, part of the Ollerton unit, said: “There has never been a dedicated unit like this before and already, in only a few weeks, we are seeing its benefits.

“We have a mixture of male and female officers so that victims can talk to who they feel most comfortable with.

“Every individual has different needs and the assumption that a female victim will want to talk to a female officer can be a misconception.

“Because everyone on the unit is fully trained in dealing with victims of these offences, victims can talk to who they feel most at ease with. Putting the victim first is our utmost priority.”

The unit works closely with partner agencies such as social services and women’s shelters to ensure a co-ordinated support network for victims.

Security measures are also offered to victims to ensure they feel safe at home.