National praise for Durham initiative delivering faster charge rates and better victim support

A police initiative which helps deliver faster charge rates and better support for victims of domestic abuse has been praised by national inspectors.

An inspection report into crime investigations, published today by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), highlighted Durham’s Operation Nightingale as a good example in which the force has reduced delays in obtaining crucial medical evidence.

Launched in 2023, Operation Nightingale helps to provide a better service and quicker treatment for those who have suffered domestic abuse by streamlining existing working practices.

As part of the scheme, victims who have sustained injuries as a result of an assault – in particular those sustained in domestic abuse incidents - are provided with bespoke medical treatment by one of the force’s forensic practitioners at a suitable safe location. Previously all victims were examined in hospital.

During the examination, the forensic practitioner thoroughly documents the victim’s injuries in a specially designed booklet featuring extensive body mapping, photographs, and initial witness statements from both the victim and practitioner.

This evidence is then used by investigating officers to build a high-quality case file to send to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for charging advice.

HMICFRS investigators highlighted areas in which the scheme has brought improvements to the force. These include:

• Prompt evidence, which helps the CPS make earlier charging decisions.
• The opportunity to charge violent offenders more quickly and, if applicable, to keep them in custody to ask for a remand or bail conditions.
• An improved service to victims, with extra safeguarding opportunities.
• Cost savings to the force.

Operation Nightingale has been used more than 100 times since launching, resulting in charges for offences such as grievous bodily harm, non-fatal strangulation, actual bodily harm, and battery.

Detective Sergeant John Tyers and Investigative Officer Heidi Weir, from Darlington Safeguarding Team, led the scheme’s implementation, with support from Total Healthcare medical practitioners.

DS Tyers said: “Operation Nightingale is providing a fantastic service for our victims and has saved the force both time and money.

“We are really pleased to see it being highlighted in the report as an example of good practice – it is a very simple and low-cost way in which we have improved our service to vulnerable people by streamlining and modernising our way of working.”

The report also highlighted Durham’s Operation Crystal for improving the way in which the force reviews its performance in dealing with rape and other serious sexual offences.

The scheme provides clarity for officers and staff around the standards required for investigation plans, crime recording, and victim care contacts.

By introducing a standardised formatting of these records, it helps to ensure all investigation plans meet the required standard.