UK: Police bungle HALF of online child abuse cases

More than half of police investigations into child abuse on the internet are
branded ‘inadequate’ by a damning series of reports

More than half of police investigations into child abuse on the internet are branded ‘inadequate’ by a damning series of reports published today.

Experts also say that 38 per cent of probes into all cases involving vulnerable children are riddled with ‘weaknesses and inconsistencies’.

In many cases investigations into child abuse or neglect were poor and plagued by delay, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary concluded.

Researchers found that the examination of serious allegations by officers were ‘superficial’ and crucial leads were not pursued.

In some cases, basic police work such as taking photographs of the scene, analysing mobile phones, or referring a child for medical attention were not undertaken.

During interviews with children, officers used ‘oppressive questioning’ techniques and in some cases were hostile towards the victims they were meant to be helping.

The findings are from three HMIC reports which warn that the police must reassess their approach to child protection or risk failing a new generation.  (more...)

UK: Police bungle HALF of online child abuse cases