SPOC (Single Point of Contact) to deal with/advise on stalking allegations from November 2012 to September 2022

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.026785

I note you seek access to the following information:

1) Whether your force has a SPOC (Single Point of Contact) to deal with/advise on stalking allegations

2) If so, how long the SPOC has been in post (specifically the role of SPOC on stalking – not their wider job as a whole)

3) The force’s total number of SPOCs for stalking (if the number is greater than one)
a) From November 2012 – September 2022, how many stalking allegations did your force deal with? I would like this information broken down by year

b) From November 2012 – September 2022, how many stalking allegations led to a successful conviction? I would like this information broken down by year

c) From November 2012 – September 2022, how many stalking allegations were dropped before arrests or charges could be made? I would like this information broken down by year

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1 - Whether your force has a SPOC (Single Point of Contact) to deal with/advise on stalking allegations

The MPS is a partner agency in the Stalking Threat Assessment Centre (STAC), along with the NHS, Probation, and The Suzy Lamplugh Trust. STAC aim to reduce reoffending in stalkers and improve outcomes for victims. One of STAC’s roles is to provide advice to Police Officers investigating stalking allegations.

Q2 - If so, how long the SPOC has been in post (specifically the role of SPOC on stalking – not their wider job as a whole)

STAC was founded in 2018. The team includes Police Officers who are dedicated to STAC on a full-time unabstracted basis.

Q3 - The force’s total number of SPOCs for stalking (if the number is greater than one)

In the MPS there is a Lead Responsible Officer for Domestic Abuse and Stalking, at Superintendent level. This Officer is supported by a DCI who is the Deputy Lead Responsible Officer for Stalking. Below the DCI is the Operational Lead for STAC, a Detective inspector who, in turn, manages a DS and team of Constables within STAC. Across the wider MPS there are Stalking Leads and Deputy Stalking Leads, at DI and DS rank, on each of the 12 Basic Command Units. These DI/DS have other roles as well, which they balance along with the added responsibility of being local Stalking leads/Deputies.

Please find attached data pursuant to questions a, b and c your request above.