Police accused of 'minimising' upskirting offences as only one in six suspects are charged

Police accused of 'minimising' upskirting offences as only one in six suspects are charged

Police forces in the UK are facing criticism for allegedly downplaying upskirting offences, with reports indicating that only one in six suspects is charged. This issue has raised concerns about the enforcement of laws designed to protect individuals from non-consensual photography.

What happened

A recent analysis revealed that out of hundreds of reported upskirting incidents, only a small fraction resulted in criminal charges. The data shows that many cases are not pursued by law enforcement, leading to accusations that police are not taking these offences seriously. Upskirting, which involves taking photographs under clothing without consent, is illegal under UK law.

Why this is gaining attention

The discussion around upskirting has intensified following increased public awareness and advocacy for victims’ rights. Campaigners argue that the low charge rate reflects systemic issues within policing and justice systems. The findings have prompted calls for better training for officers and more robust procedures for handling such cases.

What it means

The low rate of charges may undermine public confidence in the police's ability to protect individuals from sexual offences. It raises questions about how effectively laws against upskirting are being enforced and whether current measures are sufficient to deter potential offenders.

Key questions

• Q: What is the situation?
  A: Police are accused of minimising upskirting offences, with only one in six suspects facing charges.
• Q: Why is this important now?
  A: The issue highlights potential gaps in law enforcement and raises concerns about victim protection and justice.