Durham Constabulary Sees 67% Rise in Rape Charges with Operation Soteria, Training 4,500 Officers

May 17, 2024, 02:57 PM

Durham Constabulary has achieved a 67% increase in charges for rape and sexual offences following the implementation of Operation Soteria. The initiative focuses on training officers to concentrate on offenders' behavior rather than victims' in sexual offence cases. Home Secretary James Cleverly visited a training session, which has been rolled out to over 300 detectives at the force. Assistant Chief Constable Tom Harding also visited to observe the progress. The training program is part of a broader effort that has seen over 4,500 officers across England and Wales receive specialized training, more than doubling the initial target of 2,000 in all forces. This initiative is part of a national action plan aimed at prosecuting the highest number of rapes in the last 15 years. The UK Home Office has emphasized its commitment to making streets safer for women and girls.