Tackling child abuse remains a priority in Essex as IPCC probe continues
Following an update from the Independent Complaints Commission regarding the ongoing review into child abuse investigations carried out by Essex Police’s North Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT), Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, made the following statement:
“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to be entirely open and clear with the people of Essex about the importance of protecting our children and other vulnerable members of our communities. This is an absolute priority. The trauma of child abuse is unimaginable to most of us, but the legacy it leaves with victims who have suffered it is life-long.
“I am sure that people will be concerned to learn that the IPCC has served further misconduct and gross misconduct notices on serving and former Essex Police personnel and that six officers will now be subject to a criminal investigation. However, it is completely right that the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) continues to progress its investigation and we must be careful not to pre-judge the outcome.
“It is important to remember that Essex Police itself initiated the review into the quality of child abuse investigations carried out by the North Child Abuse Investigation Team. The force has rightly treated this matter seriously and I have been kept closely informed of the progress of the review by the Chief Constable.
“Essex Police has made great strides and shown great commitment to identifying problems, resolving them and learning from them with the aim of ensuring this regrettable situation cannot occur again.
“The 49 cases which are being investigated by Essex Police are a small fraction of the number of child abuse investigations carried out by the force. I would urge anyone who knows or suspect a child is being abused, or has themselves been the victim of sexual abuse as a child, to contact Essex Police. You can also use the Victims Gateway website, essexvictimsgateway.org to learn about support and safeguarding services in your local area.”
Previous statements by Nick Alston about the IPCC investigation can be read here:
https://www.essex.pfcc.police.uk/2015/02/nothing-matters-more-than-protecting-our-children/
