Metropolitan Police Criticized for Inadequate Response to Child Sexual Exploitation

A report finds over half of examined cases graded as inadequate, highlighting systemic issues and prompting an apology and commitment to reforms.

A damning report criticizes the Metropolitan Police for inadequate responses to child sexual exploitation, with over half of 244 cases examined graded as inadequate.
The report highlights a lack of understanding and poor practices among officers, including victim-blaming language and delays in investigations.
The Metropolitan Police has apologized and committed to implementing reforms, including better training and increasing police resources in this area.
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) suggests 11 reforms and will reinspect to ensure improvements.
The report's findings have kept the Metropolitan Police in special measures, indicating significant room for improvement in protecting vulnerable children.