Furthermore, HMICFRS is saying the Met Police needs to implement meaningful changes by Sunday, December 31. Though more information from the law enforcement inspectorate will emerge in early 2024.
Backlash against Met’s child protection services
The HMICFRS report asserts that problems with the Met Police’s approach to victims directly interlinks with their approach to at-risk children.
Kevin Southworth, who oversees public protection within the Met Police, mentioned the report’s findings hit a nerve with him. It is Southworth’s view that Met officers have lacked the “right support” to fully meet the needs of children.
He likewise pointed out that British law enforcement requires more resources and time to be of aid to children. This means hearing out their concerns and investigating issues that may indicate these kids either face sexual exploitation or remain at risk of it.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, nonetheless, maintains that Met police are aware of HMICFRS’ concerns and will work to remedy them. A significant part of this work will entail treating at-risk youth not as threats, but as kids in need of protection from abuse, exploitation, and other forms of danger.
