Actions of detective who failed to investigate CSE allegations fell short, says SYP

A DETECTIVE who failed to investigate a teenager’s complaints of sexual abuse "fell significantly short" of what the public should expect, his employers have said.

Det Con Ian Hampshire avoided dismissal at a South Yorkshire Police misconduct hearing today (Tuesday) and has been given a final written warning for not following up allegations of child sexual exploitation (CSE) when he worked as a trainee detective in Maltby in 2007.

Assistant Chief Constable Lauren Poultney said: “Det Con Hampshire’s actions in 2007 fell significantly short of what the public should be able to expect from a police officer.

“Since the findings of the Jay Report, which led to the investigation [into Det Con Hampshire], the force has taken huge strides in understanding and investigating CSE to ensure victims of sexual offences can have confidence that when they feel able to raise the alarm, South Yorkshire Police officers are ready to respond.

“In recent years, we have delivered extensive training to all of our officers, partner agencies and businesses where there may be opportunities to spot CSE and intervene.

“We have restructured our teams to reflect demand and to ensure specialist officers are well placed to address any emerging issues.

“We have also worked with partner agencies to ensure appropriate reporting mechanisms are in place and anyone reporting a sexual offence is supported with compassion and professionalism.”

Det Con Hampshire admitted four allegations at the two-day hearing and admitted that his actions cumulatively amounted to gross misconduct.

The three-member panel concluded that the officer, who has worked for the force since 1998, should be given a final written warning.

Mr Simon Mallett, an independent lawyer who chaired the panel, said the officer’s failings had contributed to the those of the force’s public protection unit at the time.

“His supervisors bear considerably more responsibility for its overall failings,” he said.

“It would be wrong for this panel, and for this officer, to make him personally accountable for the systemic failings of the force in 2007."