Police told to urgently improve child safeguarding

Gloucestershire Constabulary needs to do more to protect children at risk, a watchdog has said.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found the force needed to "urgently improve" its response to children at risk of harm, and how it investigates reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Inspectors said they regularly found delays in starting investigations, with inquiries often not pursued - leading to poor outcomes for children.

The force said it was "taking decisive action to bring about rapid change" in how it safeguards children at risk.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone, lead for crime, justice and vulnerability, said it was "essential we do everything we can" to keep children safe.

"We accept HMICFRS' findings and recognise we have work to do to address the concerns identified in its report and to deliver the improvements required," he said.

"We're taking decisive action to bring about rapid change to how we safeguard children at risk.

"The steps we've already taken will help us ensure we have the necessary specialist skills and resources in place to protect children from harm; to respond to and investigate incidents involving them; and that appropriate leadership and oversight is maintained for all child protection matters.

"The safeguarding of children in Gloucestershire is a key priority for the constabulary and we'll continue to work with HMICFRS, as well as with our partners, to improve."

His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer said the force needed to "urgently improve" its work to protect children.

"Leaders aren't clear on their strategic work on improving outcomes for children," she said.

"There are also serious concerns with the way the constabulary records its reports of vulnerable missing children. It has been aware of these concerns for some time but has been too slow in addressing them.

"Officers and staff don't always take a child-centred approach when investigating incidents involving children.

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