HMICFRS to focus on child protection and fraud in new inspections

Fraud, hate crime, counter-terrorism, child protection and crime data integrity are to be added to thematic inspections by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). A document laid before Parliament on Tuesday (September 5) sets out its programme of policing inspections up until the end of the financial year, and details those already taking place. As the new inspections have given prominence to the theme of vulnerability, there will be a major focus on child protection. In addition to HMICFRS’ two rolling child protection programmes, the effectiveness of the service at each stage of its interactions with or for children will also be examined. It will also review how local authorities, probation and health services work together to help and protect children, with eight new joint targeted area inspections planned for 2017/18. A recent report from the National Audit Office (NAO) suggested that fraud cost the private sector around £144 billion last year, and revealed one in five crimes are committed online. In response, the HMICFRS will begin work to develop a thematic inspection on fraud – including cyber-enabled fraud. The HMICFRS will also be inspecting the National Crime Agency, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, British Transport Police, Armed Forces Police, HM Revenue and Customs, and Guernsey Police. HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Thomas Winsor, said: “As in previous years, HMICFRS has a demanding programme of inspection work. This year, we will conduct thematic inspections of hate-crime, counter-terrorism, child protection and crime data integrity. “With a recent report from NAO suggesting that fraud could cost the UK economy £144 billion and almost one in five crimes committed online, HMICFRS will begin work to plan a new inspection into fraud, including cyber-enabled fraud. “We will continue to provide graded judgments as part of our annual all-force PEEL programme to enable the public to see how the performance of their local police force has changed over time.”