Title: Lincolnshire Police Urged to Improve Their Approach to Exploitation Cases
Lincolnshire Police have been called upon to improve their handling of child sexual and criminal exploitation investigations. This follows a review by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), which criticised the force’s current approach. One key issue identified by Inspector Roy Wilsher was a lack of effective investigation of cases where children are or may be at risk. Chief Constable Paul Gibson has acknowledged these shortcomings and pledged to take corrective action.
In response to the issues identified, two significant areas of concern have been highlighted, giving recommendations for the police force to address. These suggestions involve urgently expanding the number of trained officers, more accurately identifying children at risk, and ensuring cases are assigned to officers with specific expertise and knowledge of exploitation investigations.
Inspector Wilsher has indicated that the investigation methods employed by Lincolnshire Police currently fall short of expected standards, due to inadequate supervision and a failure to follow reasonable lines of enquiry. Highlighting the severity of the current situation, it is noted that the force only has a singular accredited child abuse officer. This underlines the urgent need for additional personnel trained to handle such sensitive cases.
Chief Constable Gibson has reassured that steps are being taken towards implementing necessary changes. These include arranging specialist training courses in the coming year aimed at increasing the police force’s capacity in terms of qualified staff. Discussions are also ongoing with officials regarding additional investment and a comprehensive financial plan to support these improvements.
The HMICFRS has pledged to closely track the progress made by Lincolnshire Police in addressing these crucial issues. The aim is to ensure effective protection for vulnerable children in the region.
This article is based on original reporting by www.bbc.com and has been adapted by The Lincoln Post.
