A police watchdog has delivered a damning assessment of West Midlands Police's work investigating child abuse, ordering immediate improvements in several critical areas.
Inspection Uncovers Systemic Failings
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services conducted a thorough review of the force's child protection capabilities, examining its performance across five key areas. The report, published on Friday, November 21, concluded that the force's performance in three crucial domains was substandard.
The inspection found that the way the force responds to children at risk of harm, its investigations into child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and its processes for risk assessment and referral all require improvement.
Mixed Results and Force Response
Despite the critical findings, the report highlighted some positive aspects. Working with partner organisations was graded as good, and the leadership of child protection arrangements was deemed adequate.
Assistant Chief Constable Jen Mattinson responded to the report, stating: "We welcome the inspectorate’s report which helps reinforce our child-focused response. Child protection is a priority for West Midlands Police; it is crucial that we protect the most vulnerable people in our society."
She acknowledged the complexity of child protection work and confirmed that plans are already in place to address the highlighted shortcomings. She also expressed pleasure that the force's collaborative work with partners was recognised as a strength.
Ongoing Initiatives to Protect Children
The report identified several proactive initiatives already underway within the force:
- Operation Encompass: Launched in 2021, this programme enhances communication between police and schools when a child is exposed to domestic abuse, ensuring educational institutions are informed after police attend a domestic incident.
- Operation Makesafe: This initiative involves officers and staff engaging with hotels, taxi companies, vape shops, and event venues across the West Midlands. The goal is to train personnel to spot the signs of child exploitation and know how to report their concerns.
While these programmes show a proactive approach, the inspectorate's findings make it clear that core investigative and response functions need significant enhancement to adequately safeguard children.
