Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC)
The Defence Serious Crime Command investigates serious crime committed by people subject to Service law, in the UK and overseas. Investigations are carried out independently of the single Service chains of command.
Introduction
The Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC) investigates serious, complex and major crime where the person alleged to have committed the offence is subject to Service law, in the UK and overseas.
Anyone can report a crime to the Service Police. You do not need to be a member of the Armed Forces. If you are unsure whether an offence comes under Service Police jurisdiction, you can still contact the Service Police for advice.
The DSCC operates independently of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force chains of command. This means investigations and policing decisions are made independently of an individual’s Service chain of command.
Serious and complex crime
We investigate serious and complex crime where the Service Police has jurisdiction.
Investigations are conducted impartially and based on the evidence available. Victims and witnesses are kept informed about the progress of an investigation and the support available to them.
Major crime
We investigate major crime and other cases which require specialist investigative skills and resources.
Global policing
Our role extends beyond the UK. We investigate crime reported to have been committed by people subject to Service law overseas.
Investigations remain independent of the single Services’ chains of command regardless of where they take place.
Public protection and safeguarding
We work to protect vulnerable people and prevent harm.
Public protection and intelligence support the identification and management of risk and inform investigative activity.
Support for victims and witnesses
If you are a victim or witness of serious crime, committed by a person subject to service law, information and support is available to you throughout the Service Justice process.
The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) provides specialist support and information to victims and witnesses.
Location
The DSCC Headquarters is based at Southwick Park, Fareham. The DSCC also operates from locations across the UK and overseas.
Reporting a crime
If you or someone else are in immediate danger in the UK, or you need support right away, call 999.
Contact the Service Police
To report a crime, whether in the UK or overseas, or to speak to the Service Police in a non-emergency:
- call the Service Police Crime Bureau on 02392 285 170 or 0331 145 7630
- attend or call a local Service Police station - the Service Police Crime Bureau will be able to provide location and contact details
Crimestoppers
If you are in the UK, you can contact Crimestoppers by:
- calling 0800 555 111 at any time of day or night
- completing the online information form on the Crimestoppers website – the form is completely secure and designed to protect your anonymity
If you are serving abroad, you must use the online information form to contact Crimestoppers. This will ensure your anonymity.
Fraud defence confidential hotline
Call the Fraud defence confidential hotline on 0800 161 3665 (UK) or +44 1480 44 638 (overseas).
Contact the DSCC
Defence Serious Crime Command
Southwick Park
1st Floor
Overlord Building
PO17 6EJ
Make a complaint
To make a complaint about the DSCC or VWCU, contact the Professional Standards Department at People-DSCC-PSDMailbox@mod.gov.uk
Service Police Complaints Form - GOV.UK
Make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request
Please visit the Ministry of Defence homepage, where guidance can be found under ‘make an FOI request’.
Latest news
New investigative unit launched to handle serious criminal offences across defence
MOD to establish Defence Serious Crime Unit
Military justice to be enhanced by digital overhaul
First Service Police Complaints Commissioner appointed
Related information
Sir Richard Henriques’ Review Report on strengthening the Service Justice System
Find a rape and sexual assault referral centre - NHS
Services to be provided by the armed forces to victims of crime (JSP 839) - GOV.UK
Manual of service law (MSL) - GOV.UK
Your rights if you are accused (manual of service law: JSP 830) - GOV.UK
The Military Court Service - GOV.UK