Strategic Link

We will create and maintain a professional workforce capable of delivering an effective and efficient service.

Policy Scope

This policy is for all staff involved in the recording, investigation, supervision and administration of crime.

Policy Aims and Objectives

This policy incorporates a ‘cradle to grave' approach to the management of crime within South Yorkshire Police, comprising crime recording, investigation, supervision and administration.

There are six principles that underpin the approach to crime management across South Yorkshire Police. These are;

• The detection of crime is a significant factor in providing public reassurance. From taking a report of a crime to final disposal, all staff must ensure no investigative opportunity is overlooked or not pursued vigorously.

• The service provided to witnesses and victims of crime is important. Crime must be recorded and investigated professionally, in a timely manner, ensuring all parties are kept informed.

• All officers (and relevant police staff) should understand and comply with the National Crime Recording Standard.

• All operational officers should be trained in the use of CMS commensurate with their role and be able to use the system effectively.

• Operational sergeants and inspectors should be aware that the supervision of crime (recording and investigation) is one of their core duties, which must be carried out systematically and rigorously.

• District Commanders are responsible for ensuring that the management of crime within their district is appropriately and adequately resourced.

The aim of this policy and associated procedural instructions is to ensure that;

1. All staff involved in the crime management process understand their role.

2. Crime is recorded and investigated in a thorough, professional and timely manner.

3. The supervisory and administrative systems, which support the crime management process, work effectively and efficiently.

Associated Procedural Instructions

This policy is supported by the following procedural instructions:

Crime Management System (CMS) Operating Instructions - D51417

Instructions for adopting the South Yorkshire Police Crime Management Policy D51235.

Instructions for the adoption of the National Crime Recording Standard D50809

Investigating Harassment and Stalking D50944

Please also see:

ACPO's Guidance Crime Recording by Police Officers Working in Schools

Crime Recording Bureau Terms Of Reference

Home Office Counting Rules

Instructions for Dealing with Hate Crime and Other Hate Incidents D50484

Dealing with Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) D51278

Major Crime Investigations D51202

Minimum Standards of Investigation for the Initial Response to Incidents D51120

Offences to be Taken into Consideration - Instructions for Officers D50794

Equality Act 2010

The Act creates a statutory requirement for all Functions and Policies (Including Procedural Instructions) to be analysed for their effect on equality, diversity and human rights, with due regard to the General Duty.

In principle, this document has been assessed for discrimination, which cannot be justified, among other diverse groups.

Human Rights/Discretion

The purpose of providing policy is to give an indication to staff of the expected course of action. However it is not possible to cater for every possible combination of factors that would justify a departure from stated policy. The Human Rights Act 1998 requires the proper use of discretion at all times and nothing within this policy and associated procedural instructions prohibits the proper use of discretion in appropriate circumstances.

Where action is taken that has the potential to interfere with an individual's Human Rights, the reasons behind the making of the decision to act in that way should be recorded on the appropriate forms, or where this is not practicable, in pocket books or policy logs.

Freedom of Information Act 2000

Exemptions do not apply to this statement of agreed policy under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Management of Police Information (MoPI)

This policy falls within MoPI: Yes

When implementing this policy/procedural instruction all SYP staff must comply with MoPI requirements:-

1. Record all information obtained in the implementation of this policy/procedural instruction on to the relevant system as soon as practicable in accordance with the requirements of the relevant business area and the Government Protective Marking Scheme (GPMS)

2. To avoid unnecessary duplication, before creating a new record, check that the information is not already recorded within that system AND ensure any record created identifies the source (where possible), recorder, recording date and purpose.

3. Where potential intelligence is identified as a result of processing information, submit this via a National Intelligence Record (NIR, CID 122).

4. Where possible, encourage information sharing within the service and with partners, see D50745 Information Sharing Agreements and D50746 Information Sharing Agreements – Instructions.

5. Ensure that all your actions in implementing this policy/procedural instruction comply with D50361 Data Quality, Data Protection Act 1998, Human Rights Act 1998, Freedom of Information Act 2000.

For more details about MoPI, see D50744 Management of Police Information and Guidance on The Management of Police Information (2010) issued by ACPO/NPIA.

Audit Review Arrangements

This policy together with its Equality Analysis will be reviewed every 3 years

Rights of redress for members of the public

Anyone who feels that a member of SYP staff has behaved incorrectly or unfairly has the right to make a complaint. Initial action should be taken in one of the following ways:

• Complaint in writing or in person to the Senior Officer at the appropriate police station or in writing to the Chief Constable of the force concerned.

• Visit a local Citizens' Advice Bureau.

• Contact a solicitor.

Rights of redress for South Yorkshire Police staff

South Yorkshire Police staff who feel they have grounds for concern in relation to the implementation of policies may:

• Pursue concerns through their line manager.

• Contact a First Contact Advisor.

• Pursue a grievance formally through the South Yorkshire Police Fairness at Work Procedure.

• Seek advice from their staff association or trades union.

• Use procedural instruction D50241 Management of Complaints, in the section entitled Handling Complaints relating to Direction and Control. 

Start Date

14 February 2005