The Police and Crime Committee convened to discuss the persistent issue of grooming gangs in London, hearing evidence that despite increased attention, the true scale of the problem remains unknown due to fragmented data and systemic failures. The committee also examined the Metropolitan Police Service's (MPS) efforts to improve its response to child sexual exploitation, including enhanced training and a shift towards a suspect-focused approach, though challenges in resourcing and consistent application of best practices were highlighted.

Grooming Gangs in London

The committee heard that the term grooming gangs is widely understood by the public but is not a precise legal or operational term used by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). Experts suggested focusing on the harms experienced by victims and the group-based nature of the offending, rather than a specific label, to ensure no one falls through the cracks. The MPS acknowledged that while they do not underestimate the scale of the problem, the hidden nature of exploitation, particularly online, means the true extent is difficult to ascertain. They are actively working to improve data collection, including ethnicity data, and are committed to a Child First approach in their investigations.

Challenges in Identification and Investigation

A significant challenge identified was the difficulty in identifying perpetrators and victims due to fragmented data systems and a lack of consistent definitions across agencies. The MPS acknowledged historical shortcomings in data recording and victim support, including victim-blaming language, but highlighted recent improvements and extensive training rolled out to officers. Operation Beaconport, a national review of historic cases, aims to address past failures. However, concerns remain about the capacity of the MPS to handle the increasing caseload, particularly with ongoing staff rotation and resource constraints.

Support for Victim Survivors

The committee heard that while London has specialist support services, such as The Lighthouse, the demand often outstrips capacity, leading to waiting lists. There is a critical need for long-term, consistent funding for these services, particularly for specialist advocates and trauma-informed support. The importance of a Child First approach, trauma-informed training, and the inclusion of lived experience in police training were emphasized. The MPS is working to improve victim support, including exploring victimless prosecutions and ensuring a trauma-informed approach throughout the criminal justice process.

Partnership Working and Data Sharing

Effective multi-agency working, including with charities and third-sector organisations, was identified as crucial. However, barriers to data sharing due to confidentiality concerns and fragmented systems persist. The MPS is working to improve data collection and sharing, including through new systems and collaboration with national partners like the NCA. The development of Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPTs) is seen as a positive step towards a more coherent and consistent approach across London.

Resourcing and Future Challenges

Concerns were raised about the adequacy of funding for the MPS to tackle grooming gangs and support victims, with the MPS reporting being significantly out of pocket for Operation Beaconport. The ongoing reduction in police numbers and the rotation of specialist officers were highlighted as potential threats to the progress made. The committee also discussed the growing challenge of online exploitation, including the use of AI, and the need for greater responsibility from tech companies and regulators. The importance of a societal response, alongside policing efforts, was repeatedly stressed.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further scrutiny and follow-up actions, including requests for detailed data on Operation Beaconport, MOPAC's commissioned services, and the MPS's approach to data sharing and training.