Lack of funding leaving police forces failing to keep pace with two-thirds annual increase in referrals, says report
Child victims of online sexual abuse are being inadequately protected from further harm because police forces are struggling to cope with an increase in this crime, his majesty’s chief inspector of constabulary has warned.
Michelle Skeer said: “Without investment and coordination, the situation will worsen and children could be put at further risk.”
She said the Home Office and police leaders “must act urgently” to tackle a crime that could have “a lasting and devastating impact on children”.
Forces are failing to keep pace with a two-thirds annual increase in referrals for online child abuse, according to a report by the inspectorate. Forces were overstretched, with investigators managing up to 54 active cases at a time, it found.
