Lancashire officers first in the country to attend National Stalking Training Academy

Published by Press Office for Safety Net Associates Limited in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Education, Environment, Health, Local Government

Lancashire police officers are the first in the country to attend the new National Stalking Training Academy in order to further improve investigations into the crime.

The move is one of a number being made by the Constabulary in a bid to provide increased protection to potential victims of stalking and harassment.

It follows a national push by the government to enhance understanding on the issue.

Officers who oversee such investigations have been put through the academy’s course, which provides specialised training for agencies, organisations and individuals who deal with those who are affected by, or who are at risk from, stalking.

The National Stalking Training Academy is a partnership between the Safety Net Associates Group, the Network for Surviving Stalking and the National Centre for Cyberstalking Research. The academy was set up earlier this year, with the backing of Home Secretary Theresa May, and brings together some of the world’s experts in the field to help better understand stalking and help train those trying to tackle it.

The training also focuses on cyber stalking, a growing problem with the increased popularity of internet use and social networking sites.

The “Understanding and Responding to Stalking” course offered by the academy is the first of its kind and designed to provide an overview of stalking to any agencies, organisations or individuals who deal with or have a duty of care to those who are either affected by or are at risk from stalking.

Other types of organisation that are already enrolled to the Academy’s open programme, at 24 venues across the UK throughout 2011 & 2012, include Housing Providers, Local Authorities, Youth Offending Teams, Victim Support and a host of other third, public and private sector organisations.  For further details about the course click here.

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Mackenzie, public protection, said: “The training that has been given to these key officers is part of our continuous improvement when it comes to dealing with stalking and harassment.

“Reports of these crimes can often lead to more physical attacks and our aim is to provide a first class service response when dealing with initial reports of suspected stalking.”

Alexis Bowater, chief executive of the Network for Surviving Stalking said: "Training is absolutely vital to understanding and tackling this horrific crime. Stalking needs to be taken more seriously and early intervention is the key. We are pleased that Lancashire Constabulary recognise this and hope to see more police forces and organisations take their lead.”

Last month the Constabulary brought in a new policy to help officers recognise the early signs of risk to victims of stalking. This included formalising procedures already used by officers and involves a set of 12-questions to be asked of victims which can help to identify stalking behaviour.

For further details about the National Stalking Training Academy please either click here, call 0845 299 7144 or email learning@cspacademy.ac.uk