PCC to hold filmed session on West Mercia Police’s work to tackle child sexual exploitation

Committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our society, Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion is focusing on West Mercia Police’s progress to implement its recommendations to safeguard children.

A judge-led independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Telford led to a report which was published in July 2022. This report produced 47 recommendations for stakeholders and organisations to implement to prevent significant failings happening again. Of those, 13 recommendations were for West Mercia Police.

Covering the force’s progress, a filmed Assurance & Accountability session between the PCC and Temporary Chief Constable is taking place on Wednesday 13 March and will be made available following the meeting.

PCC John Campion said: “Child sexual exploitation is a horrific crime, and it has and continues to have a devastating impact on local communities.

“My first holding to account meeting, as a newly elected PCC, in 2016 was on child sexual exploitation. Eight years later, whilst I feel significant progress has been made, I am as focused as ever on ensuring West Mercia Police continues to improve its response, protects those at risk of exploitation and has the resources it needs to tackle this evil in our society.

“I know it’s of great importance to the public to understand the progress that West Mercia Police has made since the inquiry concluded. That’s why I am ensuring that we consult with those that have lived experience on progress and this meeting, unlike normal sessions, is filmed in full and available to watch.”

The meeting will be available to watch from Thursday 14 March on the ‘West Mercia PCC’ social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and YouTube.