Stalking action plan

Super-complaint about the police response to stalking

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust submitted a super-complaint regarding the police response to stalking on behalf of the National Stalking Consortium in November 2022.

A super-complaint is described as a complaint that ‘a feature, or combination of features, of policing in England and Wales by one, or more than one, police force is, or appears to be, significantly harming the interests of the public’ (Section 29A, Police Reform Act 2002).

The police super-complaints system is designed to examine problems of local, regional or national significance that may not be addressed by other elements of the police complaints system. More information on police super-complaints and the process for making a super-complaint is on the Government super-complaint webpage 

The police response to stalking super-complaint was jointly investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and the College of Policing.

A summary of the investigator’s findings was published in September 2024 in a report titled ‘The police response to stalking’

The report contains a number of recommendations for police forces, which Dorset Police intend to address through a newly developed Stalking Action Plan. 

Stalking is a serious crime which can have a devastating impact on victims. It is characterised by a pattern of unwanted, fixated and obsessive behaviour, which is intrusive.  Stalking can cause psychological trauma and lead to serious physical violence and it is a priority for the Force to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

We work closely with partners and other agencies to encourage reporting and ensure victims are supported.

Part of our commitment to this area is to raise awareness of stalking and harassment offences with our staff and officers to ensure that victims are listened to, supported, and investigations are conducted as effectively as possible. All new recruits are trained in dealing with stalking and harassment offences.

We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of stalking to have the confidence to come forward and contact Dorset Police. We are here to help and have officers trained to support you.

Through publishing our Stalking Action Plan, it is our aim to reassure those who live, work and visit Dorset that the police take the issue seriously and are determined to deliver an effective and supportive response and ensure Dorset is a safe county for everyone where we are tough on crime, keep people safe and put victims first.