Crime and intelligence - Crime in action policy (S1700)
1. Summary of changes
1.1 This policy was reviewed in June 2024. No amendments to content were made.
2. What this policy is about
2.1 This policy deals with the police response to ‘crime in action,’ which includes kidnap, abduction and product contamination.
2.2. There is an important distinction between types of 'crime in action'. Each will require a different, initial police response, i.e. covert or overt.
Compliance with this policy and any linked procedures is mandatory.
3. Statement of policy
3.1 ‘Crimes in action’ have unique complexities not normally encountered, in that they actually occur whilst the investigation is being conducted and that they can have life threatening consequences.
3.2. It may be difficult to determine which offence type is being dealt with from the initial information and it is very important that the right steps are taken. This policy is devised to:
- provide the definition of and procedure/SOP for kidnap and abduction
- provide the definition of and procedure/SOP for product contamination
- set out police primary objectives when dealing with 'crime in action'
- provide comprehensive guidance to officers for initial action to be taken and specifically what not to do when encountering a 'crime in action' (kidnap, product contamination, child abduction)
- detail the procedure/SOP for child rescue alert
- provide an easy and immediate link to the closely associated Missing Persons and Child Abduction Act Policy/procedures/SOPs
4. Implications of the policy
4.1 Finance/staffing/training/other
4.1.1 No implications have been identified.
4.2. Risk assessment(s)
4.2.1 This policy has been assessed as high-risk.
4.3. Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)
4.3.1 This policy has been given a low EIA.
5. Consultation
5.1 The following have been consulted during the formulation of this document:
- Crime in Action force lead, FCR
- Human Resources
- Finance
- IT Security
- Estates
- Health and Safety
- Equality and Diversity
- Legal
- Freedom of Information
6. Monitoring and review
6.1. This document will be monitored and reviewed yearly by the policy owner and crime in action force lead, SCD.
7. Related force policies or related procedures (Essex)/linked standard operating procedures (Kent)
8.1 Data security
8.1.1 Essex Police and Kent Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management policy.
8. Other source documents, e.g. legislation, APP, partnership agreements (if applicable)
8.2 Retention and disposal of records
8.2.1 Essex Police and Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal Policy.
8.2.2 We will only hold data for as long as necessary for the purposes for which we collected.
Policy reference: Crime in action policy (S1700)
Contact point: Head of SCD
Date last reviewed: June 2024
If you require any further information or to request any documentation referenced within the policy please email [email protected]. For general enquiries, contact us.