The Metropolitan Police’s approach to child protection is putting
vulnerable children at risk, and it should make urgent
improvements, the police inspectorate has found.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue
Services (HMICFRS) said the Met is failing to:
- identify and assess risks appropriately, and to respond
adequately, when children are reported missing; and
- effectively investigate when children are at risk of, or
harmed by, criminal or sexual exploitation.
The inspectorate was also particularly concerned about the
frequent use of victim-blaming language and the potential impact
this lack of understanding can have on police investigations more
widely, leaving vulnerable children unprotected.
HMICFRS was commissioned by the Mayor of London to inspect the
Met’s handling of child sexual and criminal exploitation.
During this inspection, HMICFRS identified several problems with
the Met’s approach to child protection. Because two of these
concerns are so serious, the inspectorate has decided to report
them now, rather than waiting until the full inspection report is
published next year. These are known as accelerated causes of
concern*.
HMICFRS has made two recommendations that the Met should ensure
it has implemented by 31 December 2023.
His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Lee Freeman
said:
“The role of the police in protecting children from harm should
not be understated. Children who go missing, or are at risk of
exploitation, are some of the most vulnerable in society. It is
therefore concerning that the Metropolitan Police’s current
approach to child protection requires immediate attention.
“Whilst we observed positive examples of good work by committed
officers and staff, the force needs to do much more to ensure it
responds effectively to missing children, and those subjected to
exploitation. The force must make sure that it is focused on the
risks to children, and that officers and staff are also equipped
to deal with those risks.”
“We have made two recommendations for the Metropolitan Police to
address these accelerated concerns, and we will closely monitor
the force’s progress.”
ENDS
The letter can be accessed
on the HMICFRS website here.
