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Some preliminary thoughts on the approach adopted by #OpConifer.
#OpConifer has adopted the same approach as #OpMidland. It uses the term “victim” not “complainant.”
It also talks about “disclosures” of abuse rather than “allegations” of abuse.
Only where a “victim” has accepted that they have made a genuine mistake have they been renamed “Persons reporting alleged abuse.”
#OpConifer operated under the principle that “The starting point is that the police should believe the account given.”
This is the approach of College of Policing, & endorsed by the Assoc of Police and Crime Commissioners (Chaired by Vera Baird).
It was criticised by Sir Richard Henriques in his Operation Midland Report. He believed it removed impartiality from investigators.
“The policy of 'believe victims' strikes at the very core of the criminal justice process” Henriques wrote.
He went on:“it causes those not telling the truth to be believed, and liars, fantastists & those genuinely mistaken are given a free run.”
“It is a policy” Henriques wrote, “that has and will generate miscarriages of justice on a considerable scale.”
“Prominent people” are particularly “vulnerable to compensation seekers, attention seekers & those with mental health problems.”
Henriques also said: “Deceased persons are particularly vulnerable as allegations cannot be answered.”
Anyway, it seems that on "believe the victim" the police prefer not to adopt the recommendations made by Henriques. As Trump would say, sad.
