Strategy meetings with social services only took place in two-thirds of cases examined by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, which said they should be held in all cases where child protection concerns are referred to police.
The report was released as the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) launched guidance advising police forces on how to deal with child abuse investigations. Developed by the National Centre for Policing Excellence, it outlines multi-agency responsibilities and provides a template on how child abuse investigations should be carried out.
Terry Grange, the association's lead on child protection and chief constable of Dyfed Powys police, said police forces had made child protection a "visible priority" through inclusion in policing plans.
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