Vulnerability - keeping people safe
Over recent years Humberside Police has made considerable effort to focus on Vulnerability. Everyone in the organisation has a responsibility to ensure the most vulnerable people in our communities are protected. Very often as a police service we are the first point of contact for many people. Having this contact enables us to identify vulnerabilities at an early stage. This will ensure that people who need support and protection receive the correct level of service from both the police and our partners such as social care, mental health services and services in the third sector.
A person is vulnerable if as a result of their situation or circumstances, they are unable to take care or protect themselves, or others, from harm or exploitation. Protecting vulnerable children and adults.
What do we do ?
- by providing public reassurance through effective deployment of our resources
- by working with our partners (ONGO, other social housing providers, NLC Safer Neighbourhoods, Victim Support, REMEDI)
- gather intelligence in relation to any incident involving a vulnerable person to minimise the risk to them
maximise opportunities to secure evidence when offences are committed against vulnerable people to ensure offenders are brought to justice and reduce the risk of further victimisation
How do we do this ?
- complete vulnerable adult assessments and share information with our partners
- complete vulnerable child assessments for those under 17 and share information with our partners
- complete Antisocial Behaviour risk assessments to decide on what support is required and work with partners to deliver this
- ensure that high risk victims are referred promptly which triggers discussion at the Monthly ASB Panel meetings where all partners agree actions to support the victim and reduce their risk
UPDATE:
Recent examples of the above are:
An elderly resident contacted police believing she had been the victim of a fraud using her bank card. She reported having money unaccounted for and was upset. She received a home visit from the local pcso and the victim confirmed that in fact she had now accounted for the money. An assessment was made of her wellbeing, her living conditions, her support network and all were found to be in good order. The victim was very grateful for the police contact.
A resident in a social housing flat reported noise issues with a neighbour and requested police support. The resident was vulnerable due to mental health and physical health issues. The resident received 2 visits from pcso's to check on her welfare and discuss options to resolve the matter. We will share information with the housing officer to discuss how we can work with them to reduce the tensions between the neighbours.
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