Specialist police sex crimes unit hails rise in rape detection rate

A year ago, senior officers set up the dedicated Apollo Unit, which was designed to improve the way victims of rape and sexual assault were dealt with by South Yorkshire Police.

The unit, based at Maltby Police Station, near Rotherham, offers specialised support to victims of sexual offences and acts as a central point for all officers involved in cases.

According to the latest figures, the unit has achieved an increase in detection rates in rape cases from 27.3 per cent to 31.2 per cent since it opened in mid-October last year.

The idea for the unit initially came from fears that there were "inconsistencies" in the way some rape victims were treated across the country, leading to failed prosecutions.

Some victims complained that they felt their stories were not believed by officers who did not have a specialist background in the crime, or that victims were not kept informed.

The Apollo Unit was initially set up as a 12-month pilot project, but it has now been decided that it will remain in existence because of its success and potential to improve detection rates further.

Police chiefs in charge of the team said their officers carry out interviews, secure forensic evidence and provide the "best possible support and conduct the best possible investigations".

In the past year, reports of rape have increased by 50 per cent, but Chief Supt Adrian Teague said this did not reflect an increase in incidents, but an increase in victim confidence.

He added: "Rape offences are not on the increase in South Yorkshire, but the confidence of survivors to report them is. That is good news. The Apollo Unit works well for survivors of rape.

"The specialist role and the training the officers receive ensure victims get a highly professional, supportive response from South Yorkshire Police.

"The Apollo Unit officers are more aware of the needs of victims.

"For example, all Apollo Unit officers have received very specialised training around rape trauma, and how this affects the behaviour of victims in often unique ways.

"Additionally, our investigators have been trained to understand better the psychology of offenders – vital when it comes to conducting successful investigations."

Officers work in partnership with the sexual assault referral centre (SARC) at Rotherham Hospital which employs specially trained medical examiners who work exclusively with rape victims.

Dedicated rape lawyers from the CPS and various voluntary groups are also involved – and Mr Teague said victims had commented on the fact that they felt confident in how their case was dealt with.

The unit is staffed seven days a week, 19 hours a day, with the other five hours covered by an on-call system.

The dedicated team respond to all reports of rape in conjunction with uniformed response teams.

Police chiefs believe this allows the response officers to deal with the criminal issues of the incident, while the Apollo officer can provide the specialist services required by the victim in rape cases.

Mr Teague added: "The unit has the time to work more closely with partners and the voluntary sector.

"Due to the good working relationships forged, this has paid dividends for victims ensuring all their needs are met.

"These successes would not have been possible without the Apollo Unit and the support of our partners in South Yorkshire, working as a team, focussed on victims' needs."