Among the improvements were how crimes involving exploiting children and the risk to missing children are assessed, ensuring better communications with child victims and safeguarding partners, taking steps to eradicate victim-blaming language and the use of innovative techniques to help find children quickly.
A report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) into the force’s handling of the sexual and criminal exploitation of children found there had been “positive progress” since a previous report in June 2023.
But it said the force needs further improvement in certain areas, including not acting quickly enough and incorrectly grading some cases involving missing children.
The Metropolitan Police needs to improve how it handles cases of missing children, according to a police watchdog.
His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Lee Freeman said: “Children who go missing from home, or are at risk of exploitation, are some of the most vulnerable in society.
