The investigator should ask the victim whether they have received therapy since the incident occurred? If so, the investigator should inquire what therapy was obtained and whether the incident was discussed. The investigator should make and retain an accurate record of this conversation.
If therapy has been received move to step 2
If no therapy has been received, then the investigator must confirm the position in the Information Management Document (IMD) or equivalent document and must communicate this to the prosecutor. The prosecutor must confirm this in the Disclosure Management Document and serve this on the defence prior to the Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing. The police should make it clear to victims that their wellbeing is paramount and that they are free to obtain therapy at any time if they wish to do so and therefore this position may change and should be kept under review.
Step 2
Is it a reasonable line of inquiry to review the therapy notes? If the case is pre-charge, the investigator should consider obtaining Early Advice to discuss the position with a prosecutor. Access to therapy notes can only be requested in an individual case when it is a reasonable line of inquiry that may reveal material relevant to the investigation or the likely issues at trial. There must be a properly identifiable foundation for the inquiry, not mere conjecture or speculation.
If it is a reasonable line of inquiry move to step 3
If it is not a reasonable line of inquiry, then the investigator must confirm the position in the Information Management Document (IMD) or equivalent document and must communicate this to the prosecutor. The prosecutor must confirm this in the Disclosure Management Document and serve this on the defence prior to the Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing. The police should make it clear to victims that their wellbeing is paramount and that they are free to obtain therapy at any time if they wish to do so and therefore this position may change and should be kept under review.
Step 3
If it is determined that obtaining therapy notes represents a reasonable line of inquiry, then the police should speak to the victim prior to approaching the therapist. The police should seek the agreement of the victim and inform them of their right to object at any time to the processing of their data. The conversation should be evidenced and communicated to the prosecutor.
If agreement is provided move to step 4
If agreement is not provided, then the investigator should explain clearly to the victim why the therapy notes need to be obtained and the potential implications if the notes aren’t reviewed. If agreement is still refused, consider the principles in the Attorney General’s Guidelines on Disclosure 2022 and consider whether the evidential test within the Code for Crown Prosecutors can be met. The key question is whether the defendant can have a fair trial?
https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/pre-trial-therapy
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