Shana Grice Murder: IOPC report has 16 police recommendations

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has issued a 16-point plan for how Sussex Police and other forces should better handle stalking claims.

Ms Grice reported her ex Michael Lane six times before she was killed by him in August 2016 in Mile Oak. She was 19 years old.

But police investigating her case had issued her with a £90 fine for wasting police time.

Misconduct hearings into officers’ behaviour found that two officers at the time, PC Trevor Godfrey and PC Mills had acted unfairly towards her.

The IOPC probed 14 officers in the inquiry, and upheld complaints against six other officers, who faced management action.

Shana’s parents Sharon and Richard Grice branded the misconduct hearings a “sham” as both PC Godfrey and PC Mills had both left the force, and therefore could face no disciplinary action.

On Thursday the watchdog published its report, with 16 “learning recommendations” for the force.

The force has been asked to make sure that all officers who handle harassment and stalking claims are trained to do so.

Fixed penalty notices for “wasting police time” should also be reviewed, and computer systems should contain warning markers, the IOPC said.

In the months before Shana Grice’s murder, Michael Lane had followed her, and even went into her bedroom and stood over her while she slept.

He was jailed for life, with a minimum term of 25 years.

Police chiefs have responded to the IOPC report. Assistant Chief Constable Jon Savell said: “We deeply regret the tragic death of Shana Grice and have accepted that we made mistakes in this case. We apologised to Shana’s family at the time and I reiterate this again.

“Since then, we have significantly improved our response and remain committed to further improvements, to ensure we are delivering an effective and consistent service to victims, to prevent harm and ensure they can access the necessary support.”