Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Rayland, Sussex constabulary’s lead for public protection including domestic abuse, has been awarded the Queen’s Policing Medal (QPM) in the Birthday Honours List
During the Covid-19 pandemic he reviewed and restructured the force’s response to incidents of domestic abuse as victims could be confined at home, hampering their ability to report incidents of abusive behaviour and to seek assistance from police and other services.
He researched and employed technological options, notably a secure webchat room where victims can speak safely to an officer and explain their circumstances. He also helped ensure there was a fast response time to incidents of domestic abuse.
The Sussex initiatives have since been adopted elsewhere.
Chief Superintendent Rayland said: “The pandemic created significant challenges for policing domestic abuse and changing our response to ensure that we could support those in need was vital.”
