The College of Policing has updated its guidance after parliamentarians attempted to enshrine the right of religious clerics to access crime scenes in law, following the murder of David Amess MP in October.
New guidance says priests and family members may be allowed to access a crime scene, but the decision maker "must balance medical and investigative priorities and requirements". This addresses concerns raised by the NSS.
Last rites at crime scenes
In November Baroness Stowell of Beeston tabled an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill that would introduce "a presumption that the constable in charge will allow entry to the crime scene to a minister of religion in order to perform religious rituals or prayer associated with dying".
The amendment was tabled in response to reports that a Catholic priest had attempted to gain access to David Amess to administer last rites as he died after being stabbed by Islamist terrorist Ali Harbi Ali. Police reportedly denied the priest entry to the crime scene.
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