Police inspectors warned that half of the members of the rape investigation teams were not fully qualified and were still in training.

A review of progress in nine police forces that have introduced a new model – known as Operation Soteria – to transform the way police respond to rape and sexual offences has found that significant changes are still needed for Operation Soteria to be successful at a national level.

A report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) finds that while Operation Soteria has brought about positive cultural changes, rape cases still take too long to come to court.

Inspectors found that victims had to wait up to two years for their cases to come before court due to a backlog of cases, and in two police forces the delay was as much as four years.

In almost all police forces inspected, half of the rape victim identification teams were not fully qualified and were still in training.

The report also found that some police forces do not effectively monitor the conditions of bail before charges are brought, such as prohibiting a suspect from having contact with the victim, and the conditions are not always sufficient to deter suspects from committing violations.

In addition, only half of the staff interviewed by inspectors understood how to effectively use protection orders, such as sexual violence prevention orders.

They also found that many Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Investigation Teams (RASSO) are overstretched and resources for victim support are inadequate.

Operation Soteria is an unprecedented program designed to transform the way police respond to rape and serious sexual crimes.

It aims to lead to better outcomes for victims, including through the use of intelligence, analytics and digital forensics.

His Majesty’s Inspector General Michelle Skeer said: “For far too long, victims of rape and serious sexual offences have been failed by the criminal justice system. Many find it difficult to come forward for fear of not being believed or of not getting help.

“It is vital that police respond effectively to these devastating crimes, which is why Operation Soteria is taking a new approach and response model, based on decades of research examining police practices.

“There are early signs of positive progress among the nine police forces inspected so far. For example, new training is helping investigators understand victims and their response to trauma. As part of Soteria, investigators also assess the wider context of a crime, including information about the RASSO suspect and digital evidence.

“But improvements are needed to ensure that Operation Soteria is implemented effectively. For example, some leaders do not fully understand Soteria or the benefits it can provide.

“We found resource gaps in digital forensics, analysis, victim support and investigation teams. In most police forces we inspected, half of the positions in rape investigation teams are filled by trainees.”

In the report, the regulator made 14 recommendations to police chiefs, the National Police Chiefs Council, the College of Policing and others.

This includes ensuring that police forces have the right resources to identify and stop suspects, and changing funding to ensure adequate support is provided to all victims of these crimes.

The inspector added: “We recognise that forces are trying to improve the situation whilst struggling with high demand and limited resources, alongside short-term funding for the Soteria Joint Unit and cases that often take too long to come to court.

“Despite all these challenges, Soteria represents a great opportunity for the criminal justice system. We must maintain the momentum of change and provide victims with the help they deserve.”

Chief Constable Sarah Crew, the most senior officer in charge of Operation Soteria, said: “I am delighted that Soteria has been recognised as a real turning point in policing in this first HMICFRS report.

“It is important to note that at the time of the inspection we were at an early stage of implementation and that, although the signs are positive and strong, we still have a lot of work to do to make the transition.

“Operator problem profiles still need to be improved, early advice from the CPS is not consistently used and we continue to have a shortage of RASSO-trained detectives, despite increasing support and advice on these challenges and the College of Policing working to provide appropriate, timely training to all those working in this area of ​​policing.”

A Home Office spokesman said: “This government will ensure that victims of rape or sexual abuse get the justice they deserve.”

“While we welcome the progress being made, in far too many cases victims are being let down. That is why it is so important that the police continue to make lasting improvements and put offenders behind bars.

“We will carefully consider the recommendations contained in this report and work with the police to bring about the changes that victims deserve.”