Agenda item

Update from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner on the actions taken and planned in response to the inspection report, published in March 2022.

Considered –

The Commissioner’s report regarding the response to the HMICFRS national child protection inspection report, published in March 2022.

The Commissioner highlighted both her and the Chief Constable’s disappointment at the report but that the areas identified for immediate action have been addressed and other areas are underway.  The Commissioner is holding a Public Accountability Meeting later today to update on this issue and to enable the public to ask further questions.  The Commissioner feels assured that everything is being done to protect children in the force area.

Members highlighted concern by the low standards of some of the investigations referenced in the report and that some were also supervised badly.  It was also noted with concern that the service is relying on distance learning packages to train officers.  It was further identified that a Direct Entry route may mean officers becoming involved in investigations with little or no prior policing experience.

In response to these concerns, the Chief Constable advised that North Yorkshire Police are looking at Direct Entry for detectives from next year.  Entrants now spend a more significant period of time in hubs in CID learning about investigations.  Additionally, it was highlighted that there are specialist detectives working in agencies such as HMRC who can join the police service and do a very competent job at investigations without any prior policing experience.  It was clarified that every officer receives face-to-face training on investigations and some interactive follow-up training is done remotely.

The Commissioner was asked about how the inspectorate’s recommendations regarding embedding the voice of the child more in investigations is being taken forward.  The Panel heard that the Youth Commission have been part of this process.  The police now ensure that it is not only specially-trained officers who interview a child but that all officers receive training and have an aide memoire on signs to look out for in a house call generally that might suggest neglect or abuse for example.  The Chief Constable advised that she would welcome further conversations with partner agencies around how quickly intelligence is being acted upon when it comes in as protection requires a swift partnership approach. 

The Commissioner was asked whether she is reassured that there is sufficient capacity and adequately skilled officers to take on investigations.  The Commissioner acknowledged gaps in resourcing but that every effort is being made to ensure this is the focus.  The Chief Constable highlighted that around a third of detective posts are currently vacant in the service, but that officers can retire and re-join the service and they are looking at ways to retain people in the organisation.  It is no longer possible to allocate someone to an investigation without the requisite skills.

The Commissioner was asked about the timescales for a repeat inspection by HMICFRS.  The Panel were advised that HMICFRS have indicated that they are already assured at the initial response to the report but it isn’t known when or how long the inspection will take.  A full PEEL inspection will take place in the autumn.

Resolved –

That the Panel:

(a)   Notes the report provided; and

(b)   Receives an update report from the Commissioner in six months’ time.