Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 June 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 June 2008. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Stalking

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the consistency of police forces' practice in investigating complaints of (a) stalking and (b) domestic violence; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: The Government are committed to tackling the incidence of stalking and harassment. We have been working closely with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to develop a national risk-based assessment form to ensure that officers are able to better predict levels of risk to victims.In 2004, ACPO issued guidance to all its forces outlining how officers should investigate and deal with cases of harassment, taking into account the links with domestic violence. This guidance is currently being updated to incorporate developments in legislation around domestic violence, the protection of vulnerable people and the victim's code of practice and is expected to be reissued to forces in the autumn.Compliance with the guidance forms part of the Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary force inspection process.

Secondary information