Police can take up to 18 months to make an arrest after becoming aware that a child is at risk of online sexual abuse, according to a report.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found that forces’ responses often leaves youngsters vulnerable and allow offenders to escape justice. It said there are often “unacceptable delays and missed opportunities” in responding to allegations and concerns about suspects, and officers have “limited tools” to understand risk.
In one case, officers did nothing for 18 months following a report from the National Crime Agency of two videos showing a nine-year-old girl being raped. In the same force, more than 30 suspects had their risk incorrectly rated as low because of inadequate training.
