Update on Metropolitan Police Service child protection published

HMIC has published the first of four quarterly updates on the Metropolitan Police Service’s preparedness to deal with child protection issues, following the publication of our initial report in December 2016.

Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Matt Parr, said:

“As a result of our report into child protection in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in December 2016, in which we found fundamental deficiencies, the Home Secretary asked HMIC for quarterly reports, detailing the MPS’s progress against the recommendations we made.

“Today we are publishing our preliminary assessment of whether the force’s action plans, combined with continuing discussions with MPS officers about the findings, showed the right level of focus and prioritisation of activity to improve child protection services.

“We have reviewed the action the MPS has taken to improve its responses to children in need of protection. New leadership structures and comprehensive action plans have been established and we conclude that the force demonstrates a much greater understanding of the issues we identified. Over our next three reports we will assess how effectively these plans are translated into a better service for children in London who come into contact with the police.”

Get the update report

Metropolitan Police Service – National child protection inspection post-inspection quarter 1 update