What did HMICFRS find about Staffordshire Police's child protection?

HMICFRS found Staffordshire Police needs improvement in investigating child abuse and responding to children at risk, particularly concerning online exploitation and out-of-hours responses.

What specific areas need improvement for Staffordshire Police?

Staffordshire Police must improve investigations into online child sexual exploitation and out-of-hours responses to unexpected child deaths, and better record demographic details for risk assessment.

When will Staffordshire Police address the inspection findings?

Staffordshire Police stated they will provide HMICFRS with a detailed action plan within eight weeks to implement the required improvements.

Home / Crime and Justice / Staffordshire Police: Child Protection Needs Urgent Fix

Staffordshire Police: Child Protection Needs Urgent Fix

5 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Staffordshire Police must improve child protection investigations and responses.
Inspectors found shortcomings in online exploitation and out-of-hours responses.
The force is committed to addressing improvements within eight weeks.

Staffordshire Police: Child Protection Needs Urgent Fix

Staffordshire Police faces significant scrutiny following an inspection by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) into its child protection practices. The watchdog identified critical areas requiring improvement, particularly concerning the investigation of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, as well as the force's out-of-hours response to unexpected child deaths.

Despite investing in its public protection unit and creating new posts, progress has been deemed slow in key areas. HMICFRS highlighted the need for better recording of demographic details like ethnicity to assess risks effectively and improved handling of missing children cases. The force has been directed to enhance its investigative procedures for online child sexual exploitation.