Hampshire Constabulary is committed to child protection and
achieving better outcomes for children, but further improvements
are needed, a new report has found.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue
Services (HMICFRS) found many examples of good work at Hampshire
Constabulary, including how it investigates child abuse, its
focus on the welfare of children in custody, and how it responds
when children at higher risk of harm are reported missing.
However, HMICFRS said the force still needs to make some
improvements, including:
- responding to incidents faster when there is a risk to
children;
- sharing information with partners sooner in online abuse
investigations; and
- improving systems and processes for managing those who pose a
risk to children.
Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher
said:
“Hampshire Constabulary’s senior leaders are clearly committed to
child protection, and they have good oversight of how well
officers carry out their work. We found many examples of good
work by frontline officers responding to incidents involving
children. The force is good at working with other organisations,
such as schools and social care services, to keep children safe.
“But there is more work to do to provide better outcomes for
vulnerable children in Hampshire, including how the force manages
people who pose a risk to children, and responding to incidents
quickly when children are at risk.
“We are encouraged by how Hampshire Constabulary worked with us
on this inspection and its speed in addressing our areas of
concern. We will continue to work closely with the force to
monitor its progress.”
