Devon and Cornwall Police Overhaul Stalking Crackdown After Kerry Power Murder
Devon and Cornwall Police have radically revamped their approach to tackling stalking and harassment following the tragic 2013 murder of Kerry Power in Plymouth. The brutal killing sparked a Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) that exposed flaws in protecting victims and prompted urgent reforms.
Lessons Learnt From Kerry Power’s Death
David Wilder was jailed for life after pleading guilty to murdering Kerry Power last December 2013. The 2019 DHR report, along with the 2017 HMIC ‘Living in Fear’ review, revealed critical gaps in how stalking cases were handled—gaps now closed by the Force.
Detective Superintendent Ben Deer said: “This was a tragic case and our thoughts remain with Kerry’s family and friends. Since 2016, we’ve completed a force-wide 17-point action plan targeting stalking and harassment, improving how we identify risks and protect victims.”
Deer emphasised the real danger lies in stalking men targeting women, saying: “This behaviour is wholly unacceptable. Devon & Cornwall Police are determined to bring offenders to justice.”
New Tools & Training to Shield Victims
- Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) introduced in 2020 are now regularly used to reduce risks.
- Early risk identification drastically improved after adopting 2017 HMIC recommendations.
- Dedicated Stalking Single Point Of Contacts (SPOCs) operate in the Incident Resolution Centre.
- Stalking and harassment are now key parts of training for all police recruits, PCSOs, detectives, and managers.
- Close work with local and national charities boosts victim support and awareness.
Kerry Power’s Legacy: A Safer Future
Det Supt Deer added: “While these measures won’t bring Kerry back, her death has driven a root-and-branch overhaul in policing stalking in Devon and Cornwall. We are grateful to the Power family for their courage in pushing for this change.”
Victims are urged: “If you are being stalked or harassed, contact the police. You will be believed and supported.”
Support For Victims
- Devon and Cornwall Victim Care Unit: Call 01392 475900 or visit victimcaredevonandcornwall.org.uk
- Victim Support 24/7 helpline: 0808 168 9111 or webchat at victimsupport.org.uk
