Crime and intelligence - Review of major crime policy (S1900)

1.1. This policy was reviewed in March 2025 with the following updates:

• Crests updated
• Section 4.3 - EIA updated
• Section 8.0 - Author details updated

2.0 What this policy is about

2.1 This policy sets out how the police in Essex and Kent will approach and undertake the review of major crime investigations. It outlines a process and structure which provides direction for those involved in the review process and provides the organisation with a mechanism to maintain, safeguard and develop standards in major crime investigations.

2.2 The policy aligns the provision of major crime reviews in both Essex and Kent together with legislative requirements and national guidance.

Compliance with this policy and any linked procedures is mandatory.

3.0 Statement of policy

3.1 The importance of carrying out independent reviews of major crime investigations has long been recognised in the Police Service. The aim of any review is to constructively evaluate the investigation to ensure it conforms to nationally approved standards, is thorough, is being conducted with integrity and objectivity and that no reasonable investigative opportunity has been overlooked whilst identifying any good practice.

3.2 The conduct of reviews in homicides and other serious crime seeks in part to address the requirements of Article 2 (right to life). In addition, reviews are required to be undertaken following the death or serious injury to a child or following a death involving domestic abuse and in similar circumstances.

4.0 Implications of the policy

4.1 Finance/staffing/training/other

4.1.1 The delivery of specialist reviews should be undertaken or led by suitably qualified personnel, accredited investigators and review officers. The minimum standard is usually accreditation to PIP3 and completion of the national review officers training. Specialist experience in specific areas of child protection, vulnerable adults and covert policing methods are a requirement of some reviews.

Staff in the Serious Crime Directorate review team are qualified and able to offer advice and guidance if required.

4.2 Risk Assessment(s)

4.2.1 This policy has been assessed as low risk.

4.3 Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)

4.3.1 An Equality Impact Assessment has been carried out and shows the proposals in this policy would have no potential or actual differential impact on grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, transgender, disability, age, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

5.0 Consultation

5.1 The following have been consulted during the formulation of this document:

• Heads of Major Crime, SCD, Kent & Essex
• Senior Investigating Officers, SCD, Kent & Essex
• Head of Crime and Public Protection, Essex
• Head of Protecting Vulnerable People, Kent
• Human Resources
• Finance
• Estates
• IT Security
• Legal
• Freedom of Information
• Equality and Diversity
• Health and Safety

6.0 Monitoring and review

6.1 Monitoring the practical application and effectiveness of this policy is the responsibility of the Serious Crime Directorate Head of Review, line managed by the Detective Chief Superintendent (SCD). An oversight board comprising the ACC (SCD) and representatives from local policing commands and training meet regularly to consider the application of this policy and the product of the reviews undertaken.

6.2 This policy will be reviewed every 2 years.

7.0 Related force policies or related procedures (Essex)/linked standard operating procedures (Kent)

• S 1901 Procedure/SOP - Review of Major Crime
• S 1903 Procedure/SOP – Implementation and Management of Review Recommendations

7.1       Data security

7.1.1 Essex Police and Kent Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management Policy - W 1000 Policy – Information Management.

7.2       Retention and disposal of records

7.2.1 Essex Police and Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention & Disposal Policy – W 1012 Procedure/SOP - Records review, retention and disposal.

7.2.2 We will only hold data for as long as necessary for the purposes for which we collected.

8.0       Other source documents, e.g., legislation, APP, partnership agreements (if applicable)

8.1 The conduct of major crime reviews is detailed in various sources including legislation and NPCC guidance such as:

1. The Major Crime Investigation Manual and APP on Major Crime Reviews
2. Justice After Acquittal – minimum standards agreement between Justice After Acquittal, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Police
3. Chapter 4 Working together to Safeguard Children 2018
4. Section 9 Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004
5. Chapter The Criminal Justice Act 2003 and Section 29 of MAPPA Guidance 2009
6. Section 16 of the Guidance on the Lawful and Effective Use of covert Techniques 2008