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Hampshire Constabulary is committed to child protection and achieving better outcomes for children, but further improvements are needed, a new report has found.

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Hampshire – National child protection inspection

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found many examples of good work at Hampshire Constabulary, including how it investigates child abuse, its focus on the welfare of children in custody, and how it responds when children at higher risk of harm are reported missing.

However, HMICFRS said the force still needs to make some improvements, including:

• responding to incidents faster when there is a risk to children;
• sharing information with partners sooner in online abuse investigations; and
• improving systems and processes for managing those who pose a risk to children.

Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher yesterday said:

“Hampshire Constabulary’s senior leaders are clearly committed to child protection, and they have good oversight of how well officers carry out their work. We found many examples of good work by frontline officers responding to incidents involving children. The force is good at working with other organisations, such as schools and social care services, to keep children safe.

“But there is more work to do to provide better outcomes for vulnerable children in Hampshire, including how the force manages people who pose a risk to children, and responding to incidents quickly when children are at risk.

“We are encouraged by how Hampshire Constabulary worked with us on this inspection and its speed in addressing our areas of concern. We will continue to work closely with the force to monitor its progress.”

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Hampshire – National child protection inspection

Notes

• For further information, the HMICFRS Press Office can be contacted at 07836 217 729 or HMICPressOffice@hmicfrs.gov.uk.