Avon and Somerset Police should 'do more' to protect children

The report found that "children weren't being seen and listened to"

A police service needs to "do more" to make sure children are appropriately protected, a report said.

The Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) assessed how well Avon and Somerset Constabulary protects children.

The report found that children "weren't being seen and listened to".

"There are things we can do better to achieve the best possible outcome for all vulnerable children," said Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall.

Between 24 July and 4 August, inspectors reviewed a total of 69 cases in which children were vulnerable.

Of the 69 cases reviewed, child protection practices were deemed good in 17, required improvement in 30 and inadequate in 22.

While the inspectors recognised that the organisation was committed to improving services for children, they also found areas that needed improvement.

Sexual harm

The report highlighted concerns regarding the protection of children from sexual harm.

It found the number of overdue visits to registered sex offenders was "unacceptable" and that the force had "unacceptable" delays in progressing online child sexual exploitation investigations.

The constabulary does not consistently identify children at higher risk of exploitation, the report added.

Avon and Somerset Police said it would restructure its team of offender managers and roll out further training to improve its management of sex offenders in response to the report.

'We can do better'

Inspectors also found areas in which the force did well, saying that officers "generally respond well" when attending domestic abuse incidents involving children and that the force "works well" with other safeguarding agencies.

Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: "Children are some of the most vulnerable members of our society and everyone who works for Avon and Somerset Police fully recognises the important role we have in ensuring they are safe and protected.

"However, as the report identified, we accept there are things we can do better to ensure we achieve the best possible outcome for all vulnerable children at risk of abuse, neglect or being exploited.

"In several cases the inspectors found we hadn't sufficiently spoken to the vulnerable child or recorded their views.

"One of our values is learning and we are committed to implementing all of HMICFRS's recommendations, ensuring our child protection practices are both consistent and effective."