A TEAM of detectives has been set up to investigate reports of missing, exploited and trafficked persons, including victims of child sexual exploitation.
Humberside Police's chief constable, Justine Curran, revealed details of the force's response to the Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal.
East Riding Councillor Paul Hogan asked Ms Curran if a review had taken place following the damning inquiry into the scandal.
Ms Curran said a dedicated team – Protecting Vulnerable People – was set up in April to investigate all reports of sexual offences, including historical abuse.
She told Cllr Hogan: "These detectives work closely with the social services teams and other partners and undertake joint investigations where appropriate.
"We are committed to investigating any offences we become aware of, regardless of when they occurred
"The force has been actively investigating historical abuse reports and will continue to do so."
Cllr Hogan wrote to the chief constable about force procedures after concerns that organised child sexual exploitation was widespread across the country.
Ms Curran revealed she had conducted a review of force practices last year.
Humberside Police is also providing dedicated support to Operation Hydrant, a national response to child abuse investigations concerning public figures, or offences in institutional settings.
A Humberside Police Internet Sex Offender Investigation Team has also been established. It undertakes investigations reported locally, as well as current and historical cases referred from national agencies.
Ms Curran said: "Many of their cases include the grooming and exploitation of children.
"I have increased the number of highly trained and specialist investigators in this team in recognition of the importance of protecting victims from harm."
The chief constable also highlighted a current campaign, launched with Crimestoppers, to raise awareness and encourage victims to come forward.
She told Cllr Hogan investigations are reviewed if issues are raised through safeguarding bodies or the Crown Prosecution Service.
Ms Curran said: "This allows us to assess if there are any concerns or patterns that would alert us to issues.
"We are striving to ensure we are delivering effectively in this area and will, in the next three months, be undergoing a partnership inspection within Hull and a thematic on this topic across the whole force from HMIC (Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary)."
Cllr Hogan welcomed the chief constable's written response but called for transparency over numbers of historic cases – particularly between 1997 and 2013, the period when abuse went unchecked in Rotherham.
He told the Mail: "I am reassured that what Humberside Police are doing now is thorough.
"But before you can move on, you have to be transparent and honest about the past.
"I would like to know how many cases of child sexual exploitation were reported to Humberside Police during the period 1997 to 2013.
"How many cases were investigated, how many charges there were and how many convictions were achieved?"
Cllr Hogan also expressed concern following an HMIC report this week, which stated 20 per cent of crime reported to police forces is not recorded.
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