Devon & Cornwall Police change stalking procedures

Response to 2013 murder

Devon and Cornwall Police say their approach to tackling stalking and harassment has been completely overhauled, following the murder of a  in Plymouth eight years ago.

Following Kerry Power's death and the jailing for life of David Wilder, a domestic homicide review (DHR) was set up to identifiy risks and improve service to stalking victims.

The recommendations were shared with the force and Miss Power's family in 2019. These, along with recommendations adopted from the HMIC ‘Living in Fear’ report in 2017, has underpinned the force’s changes.

Detective superintendent Ben Deer said: “This death was a tragic case and our thoughts firmly remain with the family and friends of Miss Power.

“A significant amount of work has been undertaken by the force prior to the domestic homicide review being published including a force-led 17-point action plan completed in 2016 into how we both tackle stalking and harassment and manage these incidents."

He continued: "Changes have been made and we believe that as a result, will reduce the likelihood of something like this ever happening again.

“Whilst this report naturally focusses on Miss Power and actions taken to protect and safeguard victims of stalking and harassment, it’s vital that we don’t lose focus on who is responsible for these crimes; in the vast majority of cases that is men stalking and harassing women.  This behaviour is the wholly unacceptable and Devon and Cornwall Police are committed to investigating these crimes and bringing the offenders to justice whenever possible.”

As part of Devon and Cornwall Police’s commitment to tackling stalking and harassment, the force implemented stalking protection orders (SPOs)  at the start of 2020.

Detective superintendent Deer added: “Stalking and harassment is now embedded in training of all recruits including PCSO’s, special constabulary, detectives, supervisors and managers across the force. We have also overseen a complete overhaul within the control room over how reports relating to stalking and harassment are reviewed and managed. 

“Whilst these actions won’t bring Kerry Power back, it does mean that her death isn’t in vain. This case has led to significant change and a root and branch review into how the police tackle cases of stalking and harassment within Devon and Cornwall.

“All of our learning and training in this area is done with Kerry in mind, and I wish to extend my personal thanks to the Power Family for the fortitude they have shown in sticking with the process to ensure the learning highlighted within the report was acted upon."

The victim care unit can be contacted on 01392 475900 or victimcaredevonandcornwall.org.uk. Victim Support provides 24/7 support via its helpline - 0808 1689111 - or via webchat at victimsupport.org.uk.