Child protection issues highlighted

GREATER Manchester Police shows a strong commitment to child protection but there are inconsistencies across the force.

That’s the outcome of an inspection carried out by the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) as part of a rolling programme of child protection inspections across all police forces in England and Wales.

Inspectors praised GMP’s strong commitment, visible leadership and clear plans for continued improvement of child protection services.

They also noted that staff responsible for managing child abuse investigations were knowledgeable, skilled and dedicated to providing good outcomes for children.

But inspectors were concerned to find significant delays in the investigation of a number of child protection cases, inconsistent practice across the force — particularly in dealing with child sexual exploitation, limited evidence of review or audit of child protection work to support learning and improve practice and that children were being unnecessarily detained in police custody overnight.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Mike Cunningham said: “The focus now needs to be on driving consistently high standards.

“I was concerned that inspectors found significant delays in the investigation of a number of child protection cases, and would like to see these delays reduced.

“There were instances of children being unnecessarily detained in custody overnight, which I would also like to see addressed.

“I encourage Greater Manchester Police to act on our recommendations as a matter of urgency, and have asked that within six weeks it provides us with an action plan.”

Over the next two years, HMIC will assess how effectively each force in England and Wales safeguards children and young people at risk, make recommendations to forces for improving child protection practice, highlight effective practice in child protection work and drive improvements in forces’ child protection practice.

Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “The report highlights the good work and clear progress that has been made by Greater Manchester Police with regards to child protection.

“There is always room for improvement, however, and I shall be discussing the report’s recommendations with the Chief Constable to ensure that GMP delivers those improvements and focuses on what is necessary to ensure the safety of children in Greater Manchester.”
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