£30,000 app to help prevent child sexual exploitation

West Mercia Police’s chief constable has invested £30,000 in developing an app to help prevent online child sexual exploitation (CSE).

The app being developed for the police will collect information about CSE cases and the measures taken in response.

The data is shared with other agencies, including the Home Office and the National Crime Agency.

“Child sexual exploitation is an appalling crime that continues to cause devastating damage to communities across West Mercia,” said John Campion.

“By investing in tools like the PowerApp, all official agencies can play their part in ensuring that these heinous crimes are eradicated from our society and that immediate action is taken when CSE is reported,” he said.

The app follows a recommendation from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) last year, which said police forces should improve the way they collect CSE data and prioritise intelligence gathering.

“We welcome any resources that can help us build a picture of these crimes and help us bring the perpetrators to justice,” said Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Lowe.

“The PowerApp is a great example of how technological advancements can support policing.

“It is essential that we continue to work with our partners to keep communities safe. This is just one example of how we are effectively gathering information to better work together.”

Follow BBC Shropshire on Facebook, X And InstagramSend your story ideas to: [email protected]