Latest news with #RichardOcone
BBC News
21-05-2025
- BBC News
Gloucestershire Police told it must improve child safeguarding
Gloucestershire Constabulary needs to do more to protect children at risk, a watchdog has Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found the force needed to "urgently improve" its response to children at risk of harm, and how it investigates reports of abuse, neglect and said they regularly found delays in starting investigations, with inquiries often not pursued - leading to poor outcomes for force said it was "taking decisive action to bring about rapid change" in how it safeguards children at risk. Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone, lead for crime, justice and vulnerability, said it was "essential we do everything we can" to keep children safe."We accept HMICFRS' findings and recognise we have work to do to address the concerns identified in its report and to deliver the improvements required," he said."We're taking decisive action to bring about rapid change to how we safeguard children at risk."The steps we've already taken will help us ensure we have the necessary specialist skills and resources in place to protect children from harm; to respond to and investigate incidents involving them; and that appropriate leadership and oversight is maintained for all child protection matters."The safeguarding of children in Gloucestershire is a key priority for the constabulary and we'll continue to work with HMICFRS, as well as with our partners, to improve." His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer said the force needed to "urgently improve" its work to protect children."Leaders aren't clear on their strategic work on improving outcomes for children," she said."There are also serious concerns with the way the constabulary records its reports of vulnerable missing children. It has been aware of these concerns for some time but has been too slow in addressing them."Officers and staff don't always take a child-centred approach when investigating incidents involving children.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Gloucestershire Police found ‘inadequate' at protecting children
GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police has been found 'inadequate' at safeguarding children. An inspection by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said the force was 'inadequate' at responding to children at risk, investigating reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of children, and in its leadership of child protection arrangements. The inspectorate also said the constabulary 'requires improvement' at assessing risk to children and making appropriate referrals. In its report, it said the constabulary has 'good arrangements' to share information and contribute to joint plans to prevent harm to children. However, the inspectorate identified 'three causes of concern' relating to the constabulary's 'leadership of child protection, how it records incidents when children are missing, and how it investigates incidents involving children'. Gloucestershire Police said these findings will be used to develop an improvement plan. They also outlined the steps they have taken to address these concerns. Some of their actions include launching the Gloucestershire Rapid Improvement Plan (GRIP), putting monthly meetings in place to scruitinise how children are safeguarded, 20 more officers working in investigation teams, and providing more training to officers and staff. They also said they will run a multi-agency child protection conference, bring in advice from the National Police Chief's Council, and have started campaigns to tackle online grooming. Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone, lead for crime, justice and vulnerability, said: "Children and young people are some of the most vulnerable members of society and it's essential we do everything we can to keep them safe. "We accept HMICFRS' findings and recognise we have work to do to address the concerns identified in its report and to deliver the improvements required. "The steps we've already taken will help us ensure we've the necessary specialist skills and resources in place to protect children from harm; to respond to and investigate incidents involving them; and that appropriate leadership and oversight is maintained for all child protection matters. "The safeguarding of children in Gloucestershire is a key priority for the Constabulary and we'll continue to work with HMICFRS, as well as with our partners, to improve." His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer said: "It was positive to see Gloucestershire Constabulary working well with its safeguarding partners, but in other areas, I have concerns about its work to protect children. "I recognise there has been some instability in the senior team, but I have received assurances from the temporary chief constable that leaders are taking the findings very seriously, and are determined to oversee improvements. "I will closely monitor progress in Gloucestershire Constabulary over the coming months."
