The PSNI have been strong advocates for the introduction of the Domestic Abuse legislation which gives local weight to ‘Coercive and Controlling Behaviour’ within Northern Ireland and have been working very closely with the Department of Police Scotland has proactively trained over 14,000 officers ahead of the implementation of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 on 1 April 2019. Can the Chief Constable advise of the measures taken to prepare officers for dealing with the planned introduction of the new domestic abuse offence that encompasses coercive and controlling behaviour?
Justice during their consultation and development of a draft Domestic Abuse Bill. In the absence of a functioning government this legislation has not yet been introduced and the intended date of commencement remains unknown.
The Domestic Abuse Matters Training Programme, approved by the College of Policing, will be reviewed and adapted for PSNI and the Northern Ireland legislative operating model to support the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Bill in Northern Ireland. This training is built around the particular legislation in those jurisdictions and emphasises understanding of coercive and controlling behaviour.
Research shows that learning is likely to be most effective when it occurs nearest to the time and place of use. Therefore, we will use this time prior to the legislation being introduced in Northern Ireland to work with partners and learn from the experience in England, Wales and Scotland to develop our training plan – the delivery date of which will need to be considered alongside a known date for introduction of the legislation.
In the interim period we continue to strive to ensure that we provide the best possible service to victims of domestic abuse. Student Officers receive input on the subject which includes identification of risk.
Within District Policing over 840 frontline officers have received enhanced domestic abuse training over a three year period. Specialist Domestic Abuse Detectives are in place within Public Protection Branch and bring accredited investigative skills to this area of work.
The introduction of Domestic Abuse legislation within Northern Ireland would bring new opportunities to support victims and bring perpetrators of Domestic Abuse to justice and we will ensure our officers and staff are ready and able to make the most of that opportunity when it becomes law.