RAPE and serious sexual offences will not be tolerated, says Northumbria Police Detective Chief Superintendent, Deborah Alderson.
Northumbria Police has joined a national scheme driving best practice to tackle serious sexual offences.
Operation Soteria Bluestone aims to enhance outcomes for victims and bring meaningful change in how investigations are carried out.
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Deborah Alderson said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for us to help shape national best practice, bring about meaningful change for victims and further show that rapes and serious sexual offences will not be tolerated.
"Working alongside our partners, we have to ensure we continue to evolve and adapt in order to offer the best possible support to victims and secure the best outcomes for them.
"By evaluating how we respond to such cases and looking to continually improve we can also tighten our grip on offenders and raise awareness to help prevent these types of crimes from happening."
Chief Constable Sarah Crew, National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Rape and Adult Sexual Offences, added: "Operation Soteria Bluestone is an opportunity for forces to achieve real, sustainable change.
"Forces will take an open and honest look at the way they work within their organisation, alongside the wider criminal justice system and with victim support services," she said.
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