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<p>Stalking is a terrible crime that can have a devastating impact on victims’ lives.
This Government is committed to protecting and supporting victims and is determined
to do everything we can to stop perpetrators at the earliest opportunity.</p><p>Each
of the 43 police forces in England and Wales has at least one named single point of
contact for stalking and harassment, who can advise officers on stalking cases. The
role includes acting as the force link to specialist support services dealing with
victims of stalking and offering support to ensure an investigation is being carried
out appropriately.</p><p>Stalking Protection Orders were introduced in January 2020
to provide enable intervention to address stalking behaviours before they become deep-rooted
or escalate. Upon their introduction the Government published statutory guidance for
the police, developed in consultation with the police and others, about the orders,
which includes material on identifying the need for and appropriately implementing
them.</p><p>The Home Office-led a multi-agency project for the implementation of SPOs
before their introduction – this included the development of operational guidance
materials and standard forms and documents for the police, as developed by the National
Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the College of Policing.</p><p>My officials have
since been continuing to work closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s stalking
lead to ensure that these orders are being used appropriately. This has included establishing
actions in response to points raised by the police and others, such as the establishment
of a process for the sharing of best practice between forces. In October 2021 I also
wrote to all Chief Constables whose forces applied for fewer SPOs than might have
been expected, to encourage them to always consider applying for a Stalking Protection
Order in stalking cases.</p>
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