A police oversight body expresses concern that Cleveland Police’s approach to addressing missing children and investigating internet child sexual exploitation may “potentially endanger children.” Just FYI.
Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Michelle Skeer, assessed the force as “inadequate” un both “responding to children at risk of harm” and “investigating child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.”
In the study, she stated that the force “does not consistently comprehend the connections between missing children and child exploitation,” asserting the necessity for improvement in its assessment and response to children at risk of or affected by exploitation.
The national discourse around grooming gangs persists, in light of the historical abuse of adolescent females in numerous towns throughout England, including Middlesbrough.
Ms. Skeer stated in her report: “The force does not consistently acknowledge the risks associated with missing children.” Nor does it adequately address them.
She stated that the agency must enhance its methods for investigating cases of online sexual exploitation of youngsters. This include the evaluation of broader hazards presented by offenders and the provision of support to children and families.
The HMI stated that officers and staff are dedicated to protecting children while functioning in a more intricate and challenging environment; however, it noted that despite the endeavours of senior leadership, the force has not yet attained consistently favourable outcomes for children.
This compromises protection measures and potentially endangers youngsters.
The report presented a case study of the Cleveland force’s response to the initial disappearance of a 15-year-old girl from a care home.
The event was classified as “medium risk,” although officers spent over five hours to respond to the report, during which there was minimal police action or investigation to locate her.
Upon her return home, the girl informed officers by telephone that she had been at her boyfriend’s residence, leading the inspectors to determine that: “The force exhibited a lack of professional curiosity.” It did not assess if the girl was in danger while at her boyfriend’s residence.
The inspectorate reported discovering instances of “victim blaming language” in supervisor evaluations of three out of twelve cases related to child sexual exploitation and missing children that it investigated.
The inspectors expressed worry on a limited number of incidents in which supervisors documented inappropriate remarks about missing children, such as “child does not comprehend her behavior” and “exhibits behaviour that is exceedingly perilous.”
The research indicated that Cleveland Police lacks sufficient qualified personnel to investigate cases of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and despite efforts in training, this “does not consistently lead to better outcomes for children.”
The inspection conducted in June 2024 is part of a broader national initiative by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to assess the efficacy of forces in protecting at-risk youngsters.
The force asserts it has achieved “considerable improvement” in the areas identified in the study.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Baker of Cleveland Police stated, “This report illustrates the difficulties encountered throughout Teesside as a result of elevated social deprivation levels.”
“His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary commends the dedication and steadfastness of the force’s personnel in a challenging environment.”
The force has reviewed each element of the report’s conclusions and is glad to confirm that numerous aspects have already experienced substantial improvement, as indicated by notable performance enhancements and outcomes for children.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Baker of the Cleveland Police asserts that the agency has implemented enhancements following the examination.
He highlighted the advancements the force has achieved in accurately assessing the risks associated with missing children and stated that training has been provided to essential workforce members to improve the detection of vulnerability and cumulative risk, particularly with minors.
He stated: “What remains critically important is that victims, survivors, and vulnerable individuals receive an exemplary response consistently.”
I am dedicated to guaranteeing that the force endeavours to maintain a high degree of service, ensuring that the implemented changes are retained and continuously monitored.
The senior officer stated: “The safeguarding of children throughout Teesside will remain a primary focus for Cleveland Police, and I am resolute that, in collaboration with our partners, we will persist in our efforts to ensure that the most vulnerable receive the service they merit.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.