£30k app to help prevent child sexual exploitation

The app hopes to help prevent child sexual exploitation, and share information between relevant agencies

West Mercia's police and crime commissioner has invested £30,000 into developing an app aimed at preventing online child sexual exploitation (CSE).

The app being developed for the force would gather information about CSE cases, and the actions being taken in response.

The data would be shared with other agencies including the Home Office and National Crime Agency.

"Child sexual exploitation is a horrific crime which continues to cause devastating damage to communities across West Mercia," said John Campion.

"By investing in tools such as the PowerApp, all official bodies can play their part in ensuring these heinous crimes are stamped out of our society and can ensure if CSE is reported, that action is taken immediately," he said.

The app comes after a recommendation from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) last year, which said forces should improve how they collect data about CSE, and prioritise intelligence gathering.

"We welcome tools which can assist in building a picture of these crimes and help us bring offenders to justice," said Det Supt Leanne Lowe.

“The PowerApp is a great example of how advances in technology can support policing.

"It is vital we continue to work alongside our partners to keep communities safe and this is just one example of how we gather information effectively to work more collaboratively."