Investigation launched into police response to child welfare concerns near Boston; officer being considered for potential gross misconduct
The police complaints watchdog has started an investigation into Lincolnshire Police’s response to child welfare concerns at an address near Boston, after a child was later found with ‘serious injuries’, it has said.
Officers attended an address on July 8 and found two children in need of hospital treatment, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said in relation to the case.
Lincolnshire Police referred the matter to the IOPC on July 9, due to previous police attendance at the address, the watchdog continued.
Having assessed the evidence currently available, the IOPC says it has decided it is ‘appropriate’ for it to carry out an independent investigation.
“We have established a welfare concern was initially reported to the force by a member of the public on June 23 and that police visited the property on July 2 to conduct enquiries.
“Our investigation will examine the actions and decision-making of officers and staff in relation to the welfare concerns, including any assessment of risk and safeguarding for the children, the resources available to Lincolnshire Police, and the force’s engagement with other agencies, notably child services.”
The IOPC says it has served one officer, a police constable, with notice they are being investigated for potential gross misconduct.
“We believe there is an indication they may have breached police professional standards relating to duties and responsibilities, and discreditable conduct,” the watchdog said.
IOPC director of engagement Emily Barry added: “The two children removed from the address needed immediate hospital treatment. The younger of the two was treated in hospital for several days, but I’m pleased to report both have now been discharged and are being cared for.
“We are making swift progress on our conduct investigation, and one officer has been served notice that their conduct is being investigated. Our investigation will also consider the force’s wider response to the incident, how the welfare concern was graded, workload prioritisation, and resourcing.”
Lincolnshire Police has been approached for a comment.