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A police force has won praise for an overhaul of how it investigates online child abuse after a previous review found it was failing to tackle a backlog of cases.
The Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services found Cheshire Constabulary had invested in more officers to work on cases since its last inspection in 2021/2022.
The force has now been graded “outstanding” by inspectors for how it protects vulnerable people and manages offenders and suspects.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts said the “positive” report showed that a “great deal” had been achieved since the last inspection.
In 2021/22, inspectors found three areas that required improvement from the force, including a backlog of 123 online child abuse cases awaiting action.
They also found the force wanting in how 999 calls were responded to, with other areas of policing rated good or adequate.
Inspectors assessed the constabulary across 2024 and found it had improved to be rated outstanding, good and adequate across all areas.
They found there had been “significant” investment in hiring more skilled officers and supervisors in its online child abuse, protecting vulnerable people and sex offender management teams.
His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer said she was “particularly pleased” to see improvements in safeguarding vulnerable people and managing offenders as a result.
But inspectors said the number of crimes solved by officers following investigations was “low”, adding it did not “consistently achieve appropriate outcomes for victims”.
Of 64,355 victim-based crimes, just 14.3% saw offenders brought to justice, they found.
Elsewhere the force has again been told to improve how 999 calls are handled, with the service currently rated adequate.
