Detectives’ survey closes on Monday

10 February 2022

A survey on the impact of changes to the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) guidance on charging in criminal cases closes next week and West Midlands Police detectives and investigators are being urged to take part before it’s too late.

West Midlands rep Jon Nott, who is secretary of the Police Federation National Detectives’ Forum (PFNDF), said it was important that everyone affected by the changes took the opportunity to have their say.

The PFNDF launched the survey to understand how the changes, which were made in December 2020, have impacted detectives a year on. The deadline to complete the survey has been extended until 9am on Monday 14 February.

Jon said: “The Federation is aware of the impact of the changes to the DPP guidance on charging, and the knock-on effect they’ve had on workloads and case file preparation time.

“Detectives are spending more time in front of their computer screens rather than being out of the office and on the job, investigating crime and dealing with victims and witnesses.

“It’s simply adding to workloads and to the lengths of investigations, as well as increasing stress detectives are experiencing and decreasing morale.

“Now we need detectives’ help to fully understand the impact of the changes. We want to build an evidence base so we can raise the issues with our chief officers, police and crime commissioners, MPs and in the media.

“This is why we’re asking detectives to complete a short survey, the results of which will help us to understand the issue from your point of view and give us direct feedback on how the changes have had an impact on you and your ability to serve the people of the West Midlands.

“The survey is open now until 9am on Monday 7 February and I would urge all members affected to take part before the deadline.”

To take part in the survey, contact the Federation office by emailing westmidlandspf@polfed.org.