WIREDGOV

The Independent Police Complaints Commission’s (IPCC) managed investigation into the conduct of officers within Essex Police’s North Child Abuse Investigation Team (NCAIT) is nearing completion.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is currently considering referrals in respect of four current and former Essex police officers, and is awaiting further evidence in order to decide whether it is appropriate to bring criminal charges in respect of the handling of the inquiries they were involved in. Potential offences being considered are perverting the course of justice and misconduct in public office.

A referral to the CPS is made when the IPCC investigation indicates that a criminal offence may have been committed. It does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow. The CPS will decide whether charges should be brought, based on the test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

The IPCC has been managing a total of 54 cases into alleged failings in child abuse investigations carried out by officers in Essex Police’s NCAIT between 2011 and 2014. Between November 2014 and August 2015, Essex Police made a number of referrals to the IPCC following an internal review of NCAIT investigations. Alongside the CPS referrals, 20 reports have been finalised and decisions will be made in due course about whether any officers involved will face misconduct proceedings.

In September 2016 the IPCC also started two independent investigations into the supervision and oversight of the NCAIT and CSETT (Child Sexual Exploitation Triage Team) units respectively. The CSETT was established by Essex Police in December 2013 to triage and respond to incoming child sexual abuse allegations. Those investigations are ongoing.

The findings of the overarching IPCC managed investigation will be released following the conclusion of all individual investigations and any related misconduct or criminal proceedings.