West Yorkshire Police is preparing to run a pilot of a digital process for the issuing of domestic violence protection notices (DVPNs).
It has developed the process with the Police Digital Service (PDS) and delivery partner Tisski, with PDS having secured seed funding, obtained intellectual property rights and set up the development programme.
A DVPN is an emergency order issued by police to perpetrators following a domestic abuse incident. It acts as a temporary non-molestation and eviction notice, providing immediate support for victims.
PDS said the new digital process integrates all elements including authorities and permissions. Previously it was an amalgam of Word documents, email and word of mouth which often undermined efforts in safeguarding victims.
The pilot is scheduled to begin this month, followed by an evaluation by PDS, which plans to share results with domestic abuse and technology leads in UK police forces.
A difference to victims
Richard Atherton, business engagement manager at PDS, said: “We are committed to supporting police forces in developing innovative solutions to tackle domestic abuse. The new DVPN process has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of victims by providing them with the immediate support they need.”
Chief Inspector Dan Tillett of West Yorkshire Police said: This solution will undoubtedly safeguard more victims, both locally and nationally, and deliver a faster and more reliable process. I look forward to piloting this innovation in West Yorkshire in the near future and evaluating the results.”
