1. Security protective marking

1.1 Not protectively marked.

1.2 This policy has a supporting Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which remains restricted under exemptions covered by the Freedom of Information Act.

2. Transfer of reported crime 

2.1.  Where a member of the public reports a crime which occurred in another police force, either in person or by telephone at a Kent Police Station, the following action will be taken:

• In person at a police station: a Kent Crime Report will be completed, including any enquiries made, evidence found or seized;
• By phone to the Initial Crime Investigation Unit (ICIU): a Genesis record will be created and allocated an OK number;
• The crime report / Genesis print-out, stolen vehicle form 150 (if applicable) and any other documentation, will be faxed to the police station where the offence occurred, as soon as practicable (for British Transport Police, see section 5 below).

The injured party will be provided with the following information:

• If resident in Kent, information about the Victim Support Scheme and, if appropriate, offered the opportunity of a referral;
• The name and telephone number of the police station the report was sent to;
• Informed that a copy of the report will be retained by Kent Police.

2.2.  Where a crime has been reported, in person, at a police station within Kent the hard copy crime report, if applicable, will be submitted to the Area Crime Management Unit (ACMU), who on receipt will:

• Ensure the above procedure has been completed;
• Post the original crime report to the relevant police station retaining a copy.

2.3.  In relation to a reported crime occurring in another police force, any initial enquiries or immediate action required to be taken to identify an offender or preserve evidence with Kent, will be taken by Kent Police Officers, if appropriate. Any action taken and the results will be passed to the relevant police force with the report of crime as above.

2.4.  Where it is likely there is recoverable evidence at the scene of the offence, or potential witnesses, this must be communicated to the relevant police station, as soon as practicable.

2.5.  In any case where the reported offence relates to a serious or major crime, e.g. murder, rape, serious assault etc., it must be brought to the immediate attention of a Detective Inspector where the offence occurred, and where the offence was reported to ensure any immediate action to preserve and secure evidence is carried out.

3. Investigations against general medical practitioners 

3.1.  Recent cases have highlighted the difficulties that can arise in the conduct of criminal investigations against General Medical Practitioners. Arrangements have been agreed between the police and the West and East Kent Health Authorities to assist in the management of these cases. A protocol has been circulated to all Area Crime Managers.

3.2.  Copies of this protocol are also available from the Special Investigations Unit, FHQ.

3.3.  On receipt of a criminal allegation against a General Practitioner, where it is suspected that there is significant risk to the public the Area Crime Manager must be informed.

4. Stolen vehicles 

 
4.1.  The responsibility for circulating and cancelling stolen vehicles and property lies with the force (including British Transport Police) where the vehicle or property was stolen. For further information see policy N29 Police National Computer.

4.2.  The officer receiving the report must contact the Force Communications Centre (FCC) as soon as is practicable and provide sufficient information in order to circulate the vehicle as stolen on PNC.

5. Retention and disposal of records

5.1. Documents mentioned in the above policy will be retained for the period specified in the retention & disposal of force documents policy (Ref No B18) and the supporting disposal schedule.

6. Equality impact assessment

6.1. This policy has been assessed with regard to its relevance to race and diversity equality. As a result of this assessment the policy has been graded as having a low potential impact.