Statement following HMIC Inspection into Child Protection
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has welcomed the findings of an independent inspection by HMICFRS, which rated their child protection services as 'good' or 'adequate' across all areas. The inspection highlighted strong leadership and partnership working but noted areas for improvement in responding to children at risk and investigating abuse cases. Chief Constable Stephen Watson emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance services for vulnerable individuals.
Greater Manchester Police received positive marks across all five areas examined in a sweeping national review of how officers shield children from harm, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services announced today.
Inspectors who visited stations and shadowed teams during July and August 2024 judged GMP’s leadership of child-protection arrangements and its collaboration with safeguarding partners to be “good,” while the force was rated “adequate” for responding to at-risk youngsters, assessing danger and making referrals, and for investigating allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Releasing the findings, HMICFRS highlighted “areas of good practice” that show a force “that has protecting children as a priority” and fields “a well-trained, talented workforce that specialises in this space.”
Chief Constable Stephen Watson welcomed the verdict but said the work is unfinished.
”This report recognises that the GMP of today affords child protection the priority it deserves; it puts victims at the heart of what we do,” Watson stated.
”What remains of the utmost importance, however, is that victims, survivors and vulnerable people receive a first-class response every time. I recognise we still have further improvements to make. HMIC make helpful recommendations which we have readily embraced and have already acted upon.”
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