Gloucestershire Police found ‘inadequate' at protecting children
GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police has been found 'inadequate' at safeguarding children.
An inspection by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said the force was 'inadequate' at responding to children at risk, investigating reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of children, and in its leadership of child protection arrangements.
The inspectorate also said the constabulary 'requires improvement' at assessing risk to children and making appropriate referrals.
In its report, it said the constabulary has 'good arrangements' to share information and contribute to joint plans to prevent harm to children.
However, the inspectorate identified 'three causes of concern' relating to the constabulary's 'leadership of child protection, how it records incidents when children are missing, and how it investigates incidents involving children'.
Gloucestershire Police said these findings will be used to develop an improvement plan.
They also outlined the steps they have taken to address these concerns.
Some of their actions include launching the Gloucestershire Rapid Improvement Plan (GRIP), putting monthly meetings in place to scruitinise how children are safeguarded, 20 more officers working in investigation teams, and providing more training to officers and staff.
They also said they will run a multi-agency child protection conference, bring in advice from the National Police Chief's Council, and have started campaigns to tackle online grooming.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone, lead for crime, justice and vulnerability, said: "Children and young people are some of the most vulnerable members of society and it's essential we do everything we can to keep them safe.
"We accept HMICFRS' findings and recognise we have work to do to address the concerns identified in its report and to deliver the improvements required.
"The steps we've already taken will help us ensure we've the necessary specialist skills and resources in place to protect children from harm; to respond to and investigate incidents involving them; and that appropriate leadership and oversight is maintained for all child protection matters.
"The safeguarding of children in Gloucestershire is a key priority for the Constabulary and we'll continue to work with HMICFRS, as well as with our partners, to improve."
His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer said: "It was positive to see Gloucestershire Constabulary working well with its safeguarding partners, but in other areas, I have concerns about its work to protect children.
"I recognise there has been some instability in the senior team, but I have received assurances from the temporary chief constable that leaders are taking the findings very seriously, and are determined to oversee improvements.
"I will closely monitor progress in Gloucestershire Constabulary over the coming months."
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