17/08/2026
We’ve charged more than 1,000 suspects with r**e or s*xual assault as we work 24/7 to catch perpetrators and secure justice for victims.
These are some of the most serious, and distressing, offences we investigate and being subjected to a s*x crime can impact someone forever.
It’s why we have teams of specialist officers within our Public Protection Unit and R**e and Serious S*xual Offences (RASSO) teams who not only identify those responsible for such harrowing offences, but also offer support to anybody who has been subjected to an horrific attack.
In the last three years up to April 2026, we charged over 580 people with r**e and more than 600 with s*xual assault.
We’ve been able to secure lengthy jail terms for attackers who have been convicted.
In recent months, a Birmingham man was jailed for 25 years - and given an indefinite s*xual harm prevention order – following the r**e and s*xual assault of a woman and a teenager.
Another man who r**ed two women in Birmingham was locked up for 20 years and put on the S*x Offenders Register for life.
Violence against women and girls is a priority for us, and we’re focussed on protecting you from violence in the home, online and public spaces.
We know men can be victims of serious s*xual offences too, and our RASSO team is made up of more than a hundred officers who are all experienced, victim-centred and suspect focused in every investigation whatever the circumstances.
We are a pathfinder force for Operation Soteria, which is the national project to improve how forces investigate r**e and serious s*xual offences.
Op Soteria introduced the evidence‑based national operating model to provide a victim‑centred, suspect‑focused and context‑led approach to investigations.
We use data analytics to understand the offenders who pose the greatest risk of harm to communities. By working with colleagues from across the force its priority for us to locate and arrest those suspects.
Detective Superintendent Laura Harrison, from our PPU, said: “R**e and other s*xual offences are some of the most serious crimes we investigate. They are horrific crimes which can cause significant harm and distress.
“They can be complex enquiries, but always do everything we can to ensure we catch perpetrators, put them behind bars, and try to seek some closure for those subjected to awful ordeals.
“We have specially-trained investigators who not only work tirelessly to catch s*x attackers, but also support victims at what will understandably be a deeply traumatic time.
“We know that our words and actions matter and we are more determined than ever to make a difference to the lives of those affected by these terrible crimes.”
