The UK government and police chiefs are reviewing the process through which US military personnel accused of serious crimes on UK soil are avoiding the British justice system. This effort, involving multiple government departments, is examining why UK police forces, which have primary responsibility for investigating such cases, have been ceding jurisdiction to US military investigators.
Such decisions can lead to alleged perpetrators being tried in a US military court martial, where victims may not receive the same protections as in a British court. The government and police reviews were initiated after the Guardian revealed several cases where British police forces allowed the American military to take over investigations into allegations of serious sexual offences.
Following the revelation of a case in June, Downing Street described it as “very concerning” that UK authorities were not involved in the prosecution of an American fighter pilot accused of raping and strangling a British woman. Home Office and justice ministers have since met with the victim, Sarah Steele, to discuss her case and potential changes to how UK police and prosecutors handle cases involving US military personnel.
A government spokesperson stated that officials are working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to review existing guidance and ensure cases are correctly referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for advice. Ministers have also committed to pressing the US government for a full account of what occurred in the Wulfson case, with the Foreign Office confirming engagement with the US on the matter.
Gavin Stephens, chair of the NPCC, has written to all chief constables in England and Wales to ensure forces understand their legal obligations in cases involving visiting US forces. A source familiar with government discussions indicated that ministers were concerned that UK police forces might not be seeking advice from the CPS before transferring investigations to the US military.
Suffolk and Cambridgeshire police forces are conducting their own reviews of their handling of investigations involving US military personnel. Cambridgeshire police stated their policy review is looking at cases dating back to 2018, while Suffolk police are reviewing decision-making regarding the transfer of primacy to the US air force and general case transfer practices.