His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Michelle Skeer, raised concerns about the force’s understanding of the relationship between missing children and child exploitation.
She stated that Cleveland Police “needs to improve how it assesses and responds to children at risk of, or harmed by, exploitation.”
The inspection rated the force as inadequate in both “responding to children at risk of harm” and “investigating child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.”
The report was published on Wednesday, amidst a national debate about grooming gangs that have abused hundreds of teenage girls in various towns across England, including Middlesbrough, within the Cleveland force area.
Ms Skeer said, “The force doesn’t consistently recognise the risks posed to missing children.
“Nor does it respond to them effectively.”
She also pointed out the need for improvement in investigating cases involving online sexual exploitation of children.
This includes assessing broader risks posed by offenders and providing support to children and their families.
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Despite the commitment of officers and staff to safeguarding children in an increasingly complex and demanding environment, Ms Skeer said: “The force isn’t yet achieving consistently good outcomes for children.
“This affects the provision of safeguarding and potentially leaves children at risk.”
The inspectorate’s report included a case study about the Cleveland force’s response to a report of a 15-year-old girl who went missing from a care home for the first time.
The incident was graded as “medium risk,” but it took officers more than five hours to respond, with little police activity or investigation during this time.
After the girl returned to the home, she told officers over the phone that she had been at a boyfriend’s house.
The inspectors concluded that the force “didn’t show much professional curiosity” and failed to inquire whether the girl was at risk while at the boyfriend’s house.
The inspectorate also found instances of “victim-blaming language” in supervisor reviews of cases involving child sexual exploitation and missing children.
It was also concerned by a small number of instances where supervisors recorded inappropriate comments about missing children, such as “child does not understand her behaviour” and “engages in behaviour that is highly risky.”
The report found that Cleveland Police does not have enough trained officers and staff to investigate reports of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Baker of Cleveland Police said: “This report reflects the challenges faced across Teesside due to the high levels of social deprivation.
“The force has worked through each section of the report’s findings and is pleased to confirm that many aspects have already seen considerable improvement; much of which can be evidenced by significant performance improvements and outcomes for children.”
Mr Baker highlighted progress made by the force on the accurate risk assessment of missing children and said that training had been delivered to key members of the workforce to enhance the “identification of vulnerability and cumulative risk, with a particular focus on children.”
He added: “The protection of children across Teesside will continue to be a key priority for Cleveland Police, and I am determined that, together with our partners, we will keep working hard so those who are most vulnerable receive the service they deserve.”