Force's handling of 'at-risk' children 'improved'

A police force which faced a series of damning reports into its historical handling of child sex abuse cases has since improved, inspectors have found.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has been rated "good" for its current safeguarding of "at-risk" children in a review by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

But the force was told some areas, such as responding to risk, making referrals and investigating child exploitation, could still be improved further.

The inspection came after after reports - commissioned by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham - criticised how historical child sex abuse cases in Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale had been managed.

The HMICFRS report focused on current culture and systems in place across the region to protect children from child sexual exploitation.

Mr Burnham had asked the inspectorate to bring forward its review, which had been due to take place in 2025.

In their latest report, inspectors found GMP officers were "skilled and knowledgeable" enough to effectively safeguard children and their families.

It found that leadership and working with safeguarding partners was "good".

However, responding to children at risk of harm, assessments and referrals and investigating child abuse, neglect and exploitation were considered to be only "adequate".

The report said: "Most officers and staff can identify vulnerable children, assess the risk and effectively respond to protect them."

It concluded though that the force "needs to improve how it records information" and should "improve how it investigates online child exploitation".

HM Inspector of Constabulary for the North, Michelle Skeer, said she was "pleased with some aspects of the force's performance".

"But there are some aspects in which it needs to improve", she added.

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