Cleveland PCC to grill police chiefs over ‘really worrying’ child safety inspection outcome
It follows a damning report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS)
Last updated 1st May 2025
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey is to probe the force’s child safeguarding efforts after a recent inspection report highlighted serious failings.
Mr Storey said he was “really concerned” with the findings which were published last month and had been receiving regular fortnightly briefings from a senior officer.
The report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said Cleveland Police needed to “urgently improve” how it investigates cases of children being exploited online, along with its response when youngsters go missing, both aspects being graded as inadequate.
The report said it had insufficient trained officers and highlighted a number of worrying instances in which the force’s approach potentially heaped further risk on vulnerable children.
In one example, a parent complained her 16-year-old son had been subject to a ‘sextortion’ blackmail attempt online.
The force logged the incident, but didn’t examine the teenager’s phone for potential evidence or attempt to identify a suspect, closing the case and sending the woman on her way with an Action Fraud leaflet.
HMICFRS said the force had a “fragmented approach” to managing child sexual and criminal exploitation.
It also said the response to missing children incidents was “frequently poor”, with delays of up to three hours regularly occurring.
Stockton councillor John Coulson had asked the PCC at a meeting what actions he planned to take in light of the inspection report, which followed a visit last June.
Mr Storey said: “This is a really worrying report and I am really concerned with the findings.
“Protecting and safeguarding children is one of the most important things that Cleveland Police does.
“As councillors you all know your responsibility as corporate parents and we need to do everything possible to keep children safe.
“I have been kept up to date with what is being done to address the concerns raised and Cleveland Police has provided a comprehensive response to the issues raised, many of which were being dealt with even while inspectors were still here.
“My next piece of scrutiny work coming up in March is specifically on this report and I will be doing a deep dive with officers asking questions and challenging them to ensure the work that needs to be done to keep children in Cleveland safe is continuing.”
Assistant Chief Constable Baker: 'improvements in process'
Speaking last month, Assistant Chief Constable Richard Baker said: “The force has worked through each section of the report’s findings and is pleased to confirm that many aspects have already seen considerable improvement, much of which can be evidenced by significant performance improvements and outcomes for children.”
He added: “I am committed to ensuring the force strives to ensure a high standard of service is provided and the improvements that have already been put in place are sustained and continue to be monitored.
“The protection of children across Teesside will continue to be a key priority for Cleveland Police, and, together with our partners, we will keep working hard so those who are most vulnerable receive the service they deserve.”