'Force needs to improve how it investigates online child sexual exploitation'

Police say plan in place after critical report

- Phil Corrigan

STAFFORDSHIRE Police needs to get better at investigating online child sexual exploitation, inspectors say.

The force allocates officers to online CSE cases who do not always have enough training or guidance, meaning there are sometimes 'missed opportunities' to trace suspects.

These were among the findings of the national child protection inspection of Staffordshire Police, carried out by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services this year.

HMICFRS found the force is good at working with partners, such as schools and councils, to keep children safe.

But Staffordshire Police received 'requires improvement' ratings for how it investigates child abuse, neglect and exploitation, and how it responds to children at risk of harm.

In two other areas - leadership of child protection arrangements, and risk assessments and referrals - the force was rated as 'adequate'.