Community support unit

Based at Sutton Police Station the Metropolitan Police Community Support Unit offers advice and assistance in cases of domestic violence, racially motivated incidents, elder abuse, harassment suffered by homosexual residents and problems encountered by vulnerable adults such as those with learning difficulties or mental health problems. The Officers also deal with people who have been arrested and are being held in custody overnight.

It was formerly known as the Domestic Violence Unit but in 1996 the name was changed for two reasons. Firstly it was found that many women felt uncomfortable with the stark reality of the title and saw themselves only as victims instead of people who could do something about their plight. The second reason was to reflect the wider nature of the work that they now do, and their wish to be seen to be more pro active in the fight against these types of crime.

There are now two full time and two part time plain clothed officers who staff the unit with the help of an Admin Officer. All are female, which reflects the fact that the majority of the clients who come to them are women. Both men and women are welcome but in the main the cases they see involve men assaulting women, not the other way round.

The unit works closely with Sutton Social Services Department and quite often refers people on to other agencies, with literature being available on many community projects.

For instance if it proves necessary they may liase with Housing Associations etc to try to find clients alternative accommodation. Frightened women have sometimes turned up, either on their own or with children, and, after speaking to officers, have been found emergency beds for the night if it was considered that the risk was too great to return home. If someone needs help officers will stay until the problem is resolved.

They are keen to point out that although allegations, such as domestic violence, may be reported to the Unit, and they can certainly offer advice, no action will be taken unless they are asked to do so. To put clients at their ease, an area has been screened off to conduct interviews privately, if necessary. A homely, comfortable atmosphere has been created with easy chairs, toys for the children and coffee readily available.

The Unit is staffed from 8 am to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, although messages may be left on the answerphone at other times. Outside of these hours uniformed officers will deal with urgent matters.

Their caseload varies in the type of problems they have to deal with. The January 1998 figures show that out of two hundred and thirty one 999 calls, sixty seven of them related to crime against the person, and eight being cases of harassment.

Staff will make home visits if asked, with ten being made in the first month of this year, but because of the nature of many of the offences, the majority of people prefer to visit the office. It may also be possible to arrange evening meetings to fit in with the working hours of the client.

Contact the Support Unit at Sutton Police Station 6 Carshalton Road SM1 4RF or telephone them on 0181 649 0759.