Relevant Background Documents to Bulletin 5

To accompany the fifth learning the lessons bulletin, on vulnerable people, we have provided a case factor matrix and links to various documents which might be of interest to the reader.  

Case Factor Matrix

Attached is a matrix which matches the 13 cases that appear in the bulletin to vulnerability criteria, such as mental health or domestic abuse and then to key issues (e.g. call handling and working with other agencies).

Background Information

Below are a number of web links to different legislation, guidance and information which have been referred to or are relevant to the cases included in the bulletin.  It is, however, very much a selection and is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all relevant documents.

General

• HMIC Protecting Vulnerable Persons
  
  In 2007 Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of the Constabulary (HMIC) inspected arrangements by Police Forces for protecting vulnerable people.  The inspection focussed on four different areas of vulnerability:  
  - child protection (the investigation and prevention of child abuse);
  - domestic abuse (previously termed domestic violence);
  - public protection (the management of sexual offenders, violent offenders and potentially dangerous persons);
  - vulnerable missing persons
  
  This document, which is available on HMIC’s website, details lessons learned from the inspection of forces..

• The management of police information
  
  Guidance on the Management of Police Information 2006, produced on behalf of the Association of Chief Police Offices by the National Centre for Policing Excellence.

Domestic Abuse

• ACPO guidance on investigating domestic violence (2008) -
  
  This guidance provides the Police Service with detailed information relating to the investigation and policing of domestic abuse cases.
• Protection from Harassment Act 1997
  
  The Act makes provision for protecting persons from harassment and similar conduct.

• Practice guidance on investigating stalking and harassment
  
  This guidance is being updated and further information can be found on NPIA’s website

Missing Persons

• The Missing Persons Bureau
  
  The Missing Person Bureau aims to improve missing persons investigations and the police response.  Further information can be found on the NPIA website

• The Management, Recording and Investigation of Missing Persons (2005)
  
  This document provides guidance on the levels of service required from the police when dealing with reports of missing persons

Mental Health

• The Mental Health Act 2007
  
  An Act to amend the Mental Health Act 1983

• Code of Practice: Mental Health Act 1983 (2008)
  
  This revised Code of Practice has been prepared in accordance with section 118 of the Mental Health Act 1983 by the Secretary of State for Health.  The Code will come into force on 3 November 2008.

• Police Custody as a “Place of Safety”: Examining the Use of Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (2008)
  
  A research report by the IPCC

• Police response to people with mental health issues
  
  NPIA are developing practice advice relating to police responses to people with mental health issues.   

• Home Office Circular 007 / 2008 - The Use Of Police Stations As Places Of Safety Under Section 136 Of The Mental Health Act 1983
  
  Home Office circular on places of safety and ability to transfer between places of safety under the new Mental Health Act.

• Standards on the use of Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007
  
  Royal College of Psychiatrists standards on the use of section 136