Police commissioner says North Yorkshire force has let down "most vulnerable"
It follows a report that found delays and outdated systems are hampering North Yorkshire Police's ability to protect children
The commissioner who oversees North Yorkshire Police has criticised the force, following a report into how it handles cases involving children.
An inspection found delays in gathering evidence, outdated reporting systems and a "lack of knowledge" about online child abuse are reducing their ability to keep children safe.
In one case, the watchdog found it took six months for forensics to analyse digital devices connected to a suspected child rape.
The report, from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, said of 33 investigations it looked at, 14 were inadequate.
Zoë Metcalfe, North Yorkshire's Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, said: "North Yorkshire Police have let down the most vulnerable in our society".
She said: "“North Yorkshire Police have had a year to progress their action plan following the first HMICFRS report on child protection.
"My team and I were regularly assured that all concerns would be tackled head on and improvements made at a significant pace but instead, 12 months later, the force is not in the position I expected them to be in.
"Not enough has been done and there is simply no excuse - North Yorkshire Police have let the public and the most vulnerable in our society down."
North Yorkshire Police insists it has been working to improve areas of concern, investing money in digital forensics and staff training.
The force has accepted the findings of the report in full, and has acknowledged there is "more work to be done".