NORTH Yorkshire Police has published a report into the force's priorities for tackling child sex exploitation.

Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan called last week for an in depth review of the force’s practices and procedures relating to child sex exploitation and has been presented with its findings.

The report looked at how national plans work on a local level; North Yorkshire’s aims and plans for tackling child sex crimes; working in partnership with the local safeguarding children boards; and how the police were dealing with known risks present in the county.

The report also sought to reassure the public that there is already evidence of effective practice and risk management to safeguard children and prosecute offenders.

Areas in which the force found it needed to improve were in increasing awareness of the risks of exploitation among young people; the difficulties in keeping up to date with technology and social media; and making sure there are numerous ways for young people and families to report concerns.

Mrs Mulligan said: “This health check is a formal way for me to ensure Chief Constable Dave Jones has the right arrangements in place locally and regionally to deal with child sexual exploitation.

“Protecting vulnerable people is my number one priority and today’s report has reassured me that officers in North Yorkshire are acting appropriately, and that good working practices are in place with our partners which have been there for a number of years.”

“There are always ways to improve, and this report has highlighted a number of areas.

“In particular, I feel more needs to be done to prevent CSE and highlight the risks to parents, children, schools and school governors. In addition, the complexities of knowing which children are at risk and ensuring they are proactively identified is challenging and needs further consideration and coordination.”