Effectiveness of Essex Police’s investigations into allegations of child abuse

Today, Essex Police announced it has uncovered problems with the effectiveness of 30 investigations into allegations of child abuse.

In response, HM Inspector of Constabulary Zoë Billingham said:

“The Chief Constable of Essex Police has rightly informed me of the issues surrounding child abuse in Essex Police.

“HMIC has a duty to monitor the performance of forces, and to make sure appropriate action is being taken in response to any concerns we have. It is the role of the Independent Police Complaints Commission to investigate specific cases.

“I am of course concerned by the issues in Essex Police, which have caused me to consider the force’s ability to provide an effective child protection service.

“All forces are currently subject to a rolling programme of HMIC child protection inspections, which are scheduled on the basis of risk. Due to the issues in Essex Police we have decided to make it one of the next forces we inspect.

“The findings of this inspection will be published to make clear to the public what HMIC has found and where the force needs to improve. In the meantime I will continue to monitor the progress of the forces’ plans for recovery, and expect to see swift improvements in the service provided to children.”