Child sexual exploitation probe - man arrested
Date published: 07 May 2020
Operation Green Jacket – a multi-agency operation – was set-up with the aim of identifying, supporting and safeguarding victims of child sexual exploitation
Operation Green Jacket detectives have arrested a man as part of their ongoing investigation into child sexual exploitation.
In May 2019, Operation Green Jacket – a multi-agency operation – was set-up with the aim of identifying, supporting and safeguarding victims of child sexual exploitation whilst identifying offenders and bringing them to justice, regardless of whether the offences are historic or current.
On Thursday, April 30, 2020, a man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a child when in a position of trust (S16 SOA) and misconduct in a public office.
The man in question is employed by Manchester City Council’s Children’s Social Care and has been bailed pending further enquiries – whilst enquiries are ongoing, the man has been suspended from his duties.
Following the findings of the CSE Assurance Report that was commissioned by the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins requested a peer review to analyse its approach and practices to the Operation Green Jacket investigation.
This review was undertaken by national policing leaders.
Taking learning from national best practice a number of recommendations were made which have been implemented by the investigation team to ensure the operation is as robust as possible to support victims and bring offenders to justice.
Despite the challenging situation the Coronavirus pandemic has presented, the operation remains a top priority for GMP with officers continuing to provide support to a number of victims in addition to investigating a number of suspects.
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for child protection, Chief Constable Simon Bailey, said: “Following the peer review commissioned by GMP, it’s been recognised that Operation Green Jacket is progressing significantly and I am encouraged by the strength and approach adopted by the force.
“It’s important that police forces continue to work together to tackle child sexual exploitation and a lot can be learned from this Operation Hydrant peer review.
"In order to continue to protect and support children across the country, Op Hydrant allows national best practice to be shared nationally with all police forces.
“Policing will always explore different avenues and opportunities to ensure that children are protected as much as possible.
"It is challenging and equally important that forces commit sufficient resources to support victims and pursue suspects, the set-up of Operation Green Jacket is effectively addressing both these issues.”
Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain, said: “This operation remains a top priority for GMP with officers doing everything they can to provide victims of child sexual exploitation with appropriate support from specialist agencies and continuing to work to bring offenders to justice.
“The landscape of policing is undoubtedly challenging at the moment in light of the global pandemic, Operation Green Jacket has continued during this unprecedented period and remains very active with a team of dedicated detectives within our Major Incident Team working alongside partners every day to identify and support victims.
“We are completely committed to ensuring victims receive the right support and as a result of detectives meticulously reviewing historic files and pursuing new lines of enquiry, the scope of the investigation has grown with officers engaging with a significant number of victims and assessing a number of suspects.
“Whilst we have made an arrest, our investigation is continuing and I would encourage anyone affected by the case, requiring support or with information that could assist our investigation to get in touch via the dedicated email address.”
Anyone who has been affected by this case and wishes to speak to police, or anyone with information that could assist with enquiries, can contact the investigation team via: opgreenjacket@gmp.police.uk
GMPwould also urge anyone affected to contact St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515.
They are nationally recognised as a centre of excellence for supporting victims of sexual abuse.
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