Undercover Joggers: Surrey Police's Innovative Approach to Harassing Men

Strategic Insights -

Surrey police have pioneered an unusual approach to tackling men who harass women while they are jogging, by deploying female undercover officers posing as runners in areas identified as hotspots. The pilot operation has led to 18 arrests for various offenses, including harassment, sexual assault, and theft. This initiative aims to deter offenders and create safer spaces for women to exercise without fear of harassment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Surrey police's pilot operation involved deploying female undercover officers posing as joggers in areas identified as harassment hotspots.
  • The operation resulted in 18 arrests for offenses such as harassment, sexual assault, and theft.
  • Insp Jon Vale stated that a survey found almost half of female runners in one area did not report harassment to the police.
  • Catcalling is "far too common," with off-duty female officers and staff members experiencing this behavior.
  • The pilot aimed to deter offenders and create safer spaces for women to exercise.
  • PC Abby Hayward, who participated in the operation, emphasized that catcalling behavior can have a significant impact on people's lives.
  • Other forces, such as the Metropolitan police, have considered unconventional methods to reduce catcalling, including a buddy system.

Statistics:

  • A study by the University of Manchester found that more than two-thirds of women surveyed in north-west England had experienced harassment while running.
  • The same study revealed that women no longer report abuse to the police due to the prevalence of harassment.
  • A separate study by Sport England found that almost three-quarters of women changed their exercise routine during the winter months.

Sources:

  • Surrey police's pilot operation (no publication date mentioned)
  • Insp Jon Vale's interview with LBC (no publication date mentioned)
  • PC Abby Hayward's statement (no publication date mentioned)
  • Study by the University of Manchester (no publication date mentioned)
  • Study by Sport England (no publication date mentioned)