Shabana Mahmood: Every police force to have specialist rape investigation unit – but not until 2029

[IwantToRetire]

Specialist rape and sex offences investigation teams will be established at every police force by 2029, the government has announced.

Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, said tools and tactics used to catch abusers are outdated and must be replaced by dedicated teams at all 43 forces in England and Wales.

Almost 30 forces already have a dedicated rape and serious sexual offence unit, The Independent understands. However, every force will not have one until 2029, the Home Office admitted.

Campaigners have said the delays are not acceptable and will leave survivors with an inconsistent response when they come forward.

Continues at https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/police-rape-unit-vawg-shabana-mahmood-b2883898.html

Mahmood: Rights of foreign sex offenders prioritised over safety of British girls
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/13/mahmood-foreign-sex-offender-rights-prioritised-british/ and in full at https://archive.is/5bHnq

National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-audit-on-group-based-child-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse/national-audit-on-group-based-child-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse-accessible

Also this article suggests the policy isn’t ready to be published and funding isn’t forthcoming
https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/where-is-the-violence-against-women-and-girls-strategy/

Yes I saw that after I started this thread. And then couldn't find the thread as it didn't get much response apart from one that got deleted.

There seesm to lots of statements of intent, but as with this one when clarified always some far off start date of actually doing anyting.

Deeds not promises.