Police to employ counter-terror tech against rapists and stalkers
Police have been instructed to use counter-terror style technology to target rapists and stalkers, reports BritPanorama.
Ministers seek to replicate the success of the Metropolitan Police’s V100 scheme, a data analytics tool that has reportedly doubled the likelihood of arrest for these crimes. This initiative aims to bolster law enforcement’s ability to identify and disrupt offenders, especially those who pose the greatest threat.
The V100 system played a crucial role in apprehending a man who attacked eight women in just four days, one of whom he raped at knifepoint in London. The implementation of this technology aligns with Labour’s launch of what is being termed the largest crackdown on violence against women and girls in British history.
As part of the initiative, specialist rape and sex offence investigators are set to be introduced across all police forces by 2029. Furthermore, the rollout of domestic abuse protection orders, which empower courts to impose conditions necessary for victim protection, will commence in England and Wales following promising trials over the past year.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated, “This Government has declared violence against women and girls a national emergency.” She emphasized the need for decisive action, noting that “for too long, these crimes have been considered a fact of life.” Mahmood committed to halving such incidents over the next decade by deploying advanced technology against abusers, asserting that rapists and sex offenders will have “nowhere to hide.”
Recent statistics underscore the urgency of this initiative, revealing that one in every eight women in the UK was a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking in the past year. Moreover, police are reportedly recording around 200 rapes daily.
This strategic move highlights the government’s commitment to enhancing the safety of women and girls, reflecting a broader societal recognition of the need for urgent and effective measures against violent crime.
The convergence of technology and law enforcement practices here represents a significant evolution in tackling gender-based violence, reinforcing the importance of accountability and transparency in public safety efforts.
