Providing information about and access to the national operating model for investigating rape and serious sexual offences.
Investigations into rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) are changing with the introduction of the national operating model. This is to address the poor justice outcomes for victims of sexual offences.
The new approach is:
- victim-centred
- suspect-focused
- context-led
The national operating model offers guidance and tools to support officers at every stage of their investigation.
National operating model
Guidance and tools for a victim-centred, suspect-focused and context-led approach to investigating rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO).
Development of the national operating model
Led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), police forces collaborated with academics to use research, evidence and new insight to develop the model.
Principles of the national operating model
The new approach in the national operating model aims to improve police investigations by transforming the response to victims.
Victim-centred
The principle of victim-centred in the national operating model underscores the importance of centring victim rights and needs throughout the investigation process. In doing so, the model ensures that their voices, experiences, decisions and rights are respected and valued.
Suspect-focused
Specialist knowledge of sexual offending behaviour and its impact on victims informs RASSO investigations helps prevent offending and reoffending. Officers are bound to act consistently with the human rights of suspects and victims, as set out in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and incorporated into domestic law by the Human Rights Act (HRA) 1998.
The suspect-focused principle emphasises the commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes by collecting all evidence relevant to the alleged offending.
Context-led
Officers take the context of the offence into consideration from the moment the offence is disclosed to police. This includes the:
- victim-suspect relationship context
- victim context, including whether they want an investigation
- suspect context, uncovered through a suspect-focused investigation
The investigator's journey
Explore every stage of an investigation and see how each step provides an opportunity for first responders and investigators to be victim-centred, suspect-focused and context-led.
Measuring success - key performance indicators (KPIs)
KPIs mean forces can measure their performance in investigating rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO). They allow for continuous improvement so that everyone experiences procedural fairness, and they help improve the capability and wellbeing of investigators.