In January 2025, the tragic murder of college lecturer Claire Chick in Plymouth shook the nation and prompted Devon and Cornwall Police to make public commitments to urgently review their handling of stalking cases. Interim Chief Constable Jim Vaughan solemnly vowed to “reduce harm to victims of stalking” and “review all outstanding stalking offences across the force.”
But for victims like me, nearly three months later, the reality on the ground tells a very different story. One of broken promises, silence, and bureaucratic indifference.
Stalking Is a Crime-Not an Inconvenience
Stalking is not a nuisance. It is not an irritation to be brushed aside or left waiting on a desk for reassignment.
Stalking is a crime. A dangerous one.
Criminological research, including homicide timeline studies, has repeatedly shown a clear link between stalking and an increased risk of homicide. Every delay, every missed call, every absent officer can mean a lost opportunity to intervene; an opportunity that could save a life.
My Experience: A Pattern of Instability and Indifference
I speak not only as a professional, but as a victim. My experience with Devon and Cornwall Police has been one of constant upheaval and instability. I have had multiple officers assigned to my case, only for them to be abruptly replaced—often with no notice or proper handover. Some belonged to different teams and lacked any knowledge of previous developments.
This lack of continuity is not just poor practice; it’s dangerous.
Despite the seriousness of the offence, and my entitlement under the Victim’s Code of Practice (VCOP) to enhanced support, I have often had to chase updates myself. At one point, I received out-of-office replies from both the officer in charge and the supervising sergeant. With no alternate contact or safeguarding arrangements in place, I was left entirely in the dark.
When I asked a police inspector about another high-risk stalking case, I was told, “they don’t do reviews.” This contradicts the Crime Management Framework (CMF)a national guideline that sets out supervisory oversight timelines:
- Sergeant review every 14 days
- Inspector every 56 days
- Chief Inspector every 90 days
- Superintendent every 120 days
These procedures exist for a reason: to protect those of us most at risk. Ignoring them is not just a policy failure; it is a dereliction of duty.
The College of Policing and forces like Thames Valley Police understand this, which is why stalking is classed as a “red box” high-harm offence, which requires immediate and sustained action.
The Fear Doesn’t Go on Leave
And yet, here I am, still waiting.
Waiting for someone to authorise disclosure of the suspect’s whereabouts.
Waiting for an officer to return from leave.
Waiting for someone to care enough to provide an update that might ease the anxiety that now shadows every part of my life.
I understand that professionals take annual leave and that systems aren’t perfect. But in stalking cases, contingency plans must exist. There must be someone accountable at all times because the risk doesn’t take a break. And neither does the fear.
When I contacted Professional Standards with concerns about training, policy adherence, and oversight failures, I was referred back to the very officers whose conduct I had questioned. That circular response ignores the principle of accountability and contradicts the Chief Constable’s public statements.
Information Barriers That Put Lives at Risk
There are deeply concerning barriers around information sharing. The police have been unable or unwilling to confirm even basic non-confidential details about the suspect’s whereabouts.
Yet national guidance, including from the NHS and regulatory bodies, is clear: disclosure in the public interest is lawful and expected when it helps prevent serious harm or detect crime.
Few harms are greater than the violence, coercion, and fear endured in silence.
The failure to communicate basic safeguarding information leaves victims like me exposed.
How can I take precautions if I don’t know if my stalker is nearby?
How can the police protect me if they don’t know where he is?
These aren’t hypothetical concerns. They’re lived ones.
We Must Do Better
I am not writing this for sympathy. I am writing it because I still believe in the power of institutions to change.
But change will not come from panel meetings or press statements. It will come when victims like me stop being treated as administrative burdens and start being treated as human beings , that are worthy of protection, respect, and honesty.
To anyone reading this who works in law enforcement, victim support, or public health: please hear me.
Stalking is not just persistence. It’s a pattern of behaviour that escalates.
It is not “just” frightening. It is traumatising.
And yes, it is sometimes lethal.
We must do better. And we must start now.
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, support is available. Contact the National Stalking Helpline (0808 802 0300) or visit www.suzylamplugh.org.
Please sign my petition urging Devon and Cornwall Police to urgently review and improve their stalking complaints after repeated failures.
Sincerely,
Dr Tanya Banfield
