Staffordshire Police inspection says the force isn't effectively safeguarding children
The force has been told to urgently improve a number of areas
Last updated 7th Apr 2022
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services has instructed Staffordshire Police to urgently implement fundamental changes to child protection.
It's after an inspection report found the force is not effectively safeguarding children in the region.
Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said:
“Staffordshire Police has some areas of effective practice in child protection, and the force has shown that it understands the benefits of working closely with other local safeguarding organisations.
“However, Staffordshire Police urgently needs to make fundamental changes to improve many of its child protection arrangements and practices. While officers and staff who manage demanding child abuse cases are doing their best, some don’t have enough knowledge or understanding of good child protection practice. The effectiveness of the force’s systems and processes must also be improved to better support its staff.
“We have made a series of recommendations which, if acted on, will help to improve outcomes for children in Staffordshire. We will be closely monitoring the force’s progress.”
The urgent improvements include the following:
• recognising that missing children are particularly vulnerable;
• sharing information about online child abuse promptly; and
• speaking to children to record their behaviour and demeanour, listen to their concerns and views, and then use that information to make decisions about their welfare.
Staffordshire Police "accept the findings"
The Assistant Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police, Jennifer Mattinson, told Greatest Hits Radio News:
“Work is very much underway to address the concerns raised and it has been for some time. Since the initial inspection, new and refreshed training has and will continue to be delivered to officers and staff, and we have reviewed processes and procedures around missing children.
“We are also upgrading technology, reviewing police systems and investing in areas where there is highest demand so we can take appropriate action to protect and safeguard children at the earliest opportunity.
“We know this report, as well as the Inspectorate’s report around our call handling and effective investigations (released March 29), will raise concerns among the public. It is absolutely critical we recognise vulnerability, ensuring children are seen and heard, even in incidents where they are not the primary reason we are called.
“We acknowledge there are opportunities to provide an improved and more consistent level of service and we are committed to supporting our staff so this can be achieved.
“We have made changes to our governance arrangements so that we can build sustainable improvements in line with the Inspectorate’s recommendations.”
“Today’s report details the improvements the force needs to make to safeguard children more effectively, and I know that people will be concerned at its findings. As Commissioner, I share these concerns.
Staffordshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, added:
“A key priority in my recently launched Police & Crime Plan, which provides the strategic direction for the force’s new Chief Constable, is ensuring victims and their needs are at the heart of everything we do.
“As part of that, the police must ensure they have the processes and skills in place to work with partners to quickly identify harm and vulnerability, and protect children and their families.
“Part of my role is holding Staffordshire Police to account on behalf of the public, and I am reassured that considerable progress has already been made in delivering significant improvements in this vital area.
“It is important that this momentum is maintained, and I will be closely monitoring the force’s performance over the coming months, and beyond.”
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