Purpose-Risk factors contained in the existing UK Domestic Abuse (DA) risk assessment tool (DASH) were explored for individual predictive validity of DA recidivism using data from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.Methodology-1441 DA perpetrators were monitored over a 12 month period, and 270 (18.7%) went on to commit a further DA offence. The individual risk factors which were associated and predictive of increased risk of recidivism were identified.Findings-Only four of the individual risk factors were significantly associated with an increased risk of DA recidivism, 'criminal history'; 'problems with alcohol', 'separation', and 'frightened'. Therefore, 21 of the risk factor items analysed could not discriminate between non-recidivist and recidivist perpetrators. Only two risk factors were able to significantly predict the recidivist group when compared to the non-recidivist group. These were identified as 'criminal history' and 'separated'. Of those who did commit a further DA offence in the following 12 months, 133 were violent and 137 were non-violent. The risk factors associated with these types of recidivism are identified Originality-This is the first large scale validation of the individual risk factors contained within the UK's DA risk assessment tool. It should be noted that the validity of the DASH tool itself was not examined within the current study.Acknowledgements: We would like to thank the following persons for their assistance with this research: Paul Northcott, and Carola Saunders.

In times of austerity and police budget cuts, it is important to understand the demand on the UK police service in order to reduce it effectively. This paper reviews the demand on a division within a police service in England over the period of a year. Utilising police data records, it combined descriptive statistics with content analysis to identify areas of demand. Findings revealed that the majority of the Constabulary’s resources were spent addressing non-traditional police demand. Results indicate that the police could potentially reduce demand for service by enhancing work within two key areas: partnership working and early intervention.

This article reviews Police Research Series Paper 15, The Presentation of Police Evidence in Court (Stockdale and Gresham, 1995), and the role of police officers giving testimony in court. In particular, consideration is given to the recommendations made and subsequent developments, or lack thereof, in police literature and practice. Police officers are well prepared to manage the pre-trial investigation but still receive little preparation, or guidance from researchers, for performing as witnesses at court. Key factors in effectively presenting evidence are reviewed and directions outlined for building knowledge on preparing police officers to perform in court whilst upholding obligation to victims and the legal standard of public interest.

This paper aimed to improve understanding of police officers performing as witnesses. Data was obtained by conducting semi-structured interviews and identified factors which enable and challenge an effective performance. Findings revealed specific appearance, behavioural, and cognitive enablers which underpin effective performance. Specifically, that performance is challenged by inconsistencies in police systems, poor training and preparation, anxiety, anticipation, and courtroom dynamics. These results indicate that police performance in court could be improved by producing appropriate systems to effectively manage anxiety and negative organisational narrative, as well as those that develop the appearance-, behaviour- and cognitive-based characteristics needed to achieve optimal performance.