Police response to Epstein file release stepped up

The national policing response to the US Department of Justice Epstein files release has stepped up, with a new Gold Group established to focus on potential UK-based sexual offending, including abuse, exploitation and trafficking.

A national co-ordination group was established in February to support police forces, ensuring the availability of specialist expertise and a coordinated approach to assessing information and to working with stakeholders, government departments and international jurisdictions.

Following the appointment of an experienced senior investigator, a separate dedicated strand has now been established to focus solely on all matters related to violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The group will be chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Claire Bell, Deputy Director at the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP).

It will prioritise identifying the scale, scope and nature of any potential UK-based VAWG offending within the files, and establishing a nationally coordinated and consistent approach to gathering and assessing intelligence.

ACC Bell said:

“Policing operates locally but must remain nationally coherent, which is why the coordination groups have been established to ensure we are joining the dots as the public would expect. Working with the NCA, we are reviewing and assessing the published files.

“We have also reached out to survivors who have shared their experiences with the media to invite them to speak to UK authorities should they feel comfortable to do so. 

“Police forces may receive direct contact from potential victims and survivors reporting matters that are not contained in the Epstein files released. Officers will listen with care to anyone who takes the courageous step of contacting us.

“I want to assure anyone affected that UK policing will be meticulous in our assessment of the DoJ files. The volume of material is significant, and the detailed assessment of the files will take time, which I fully appreciate can be both frustrating and traumatic for anyone impacted.

“But it is crucial that we get this right – taking a methodical and coordinated approach to safeguard the integrity of any potential investigations. Our priority throughout will remain the safety, wellbeing and confidence of victims.”

The VAWG coordination group will work alongside the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Tackling Organised Exploitation Programme (TOEX), and draw upon the expertise of colleagues from Hydrant, the CSE (child sexual exploitation) Taskforce and Operation Beaconport.

Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst, who was appointed as the PIP4 investigator, will continue to work across both the VAWG group and the existing coordination group which will focus on all potential offences.

ACC Bell added:

“No single crime takes priority over another, and the establishment of this second group, and investment in additional intelligence resources reflects the increasing complexity and sensitivity of these matters.

“Running in tandem, the groups will enable us to consider any and all potential offending and reaffirm our commitment to victims and survivors of abuse. We remain focused on protecting people and maintaining public confidence.”

Support and advice for anyone affected by abuse is available at www.whenyouareready.co.uk