MP's fear police cuts could hit sex crime investigations

ROTHERHAM MP Sarah Champion fears proposed police cuts could affect the growing number of rape investigations.

Reductions in officer numbers will have knock-on effects on time and resources for specialist training, she said.

Ms Champion, shadow minister for abuse and domestic violence, added: “The British Crime Survey shows an 87 per cent rise in the reporting of rapes between October 2012 and March 2015.

“What assurances can the minister give that the proposed police cuts will not impact on training and supervision of officers working on sexual violence cases?"

Home Office minister Karen Bradley did not comment on the potential impact during Monday’s (16) questions in Parliament.

But she said: “I am very impressed by the work I have seen police forces doing across the country to ensure that victims come forward and receive the right specialist and multi-agency support that they need.”