Handling of reports of a minor being blackmailed for sex - West Midlands Police, April 2017

A 16-year-old contacted West Midlands Police via 999 in April 2017 to report that they were being emotionally threatened for sex. The call handler advised the teenager to contact their telephone provider and have the number blocked.

Approximately three weeks later, the same caller reported again that they were being blackmailed by the same individual, who was threatening to speak to their mother if they did not meet. The teenager disclosed that they had met the individual and they had engaged in a sexual relationship. The telephone number was traced to a registered sex offender, who was subject to a sexual offenders protection order.

West Midlands Police referred the matter to us as a conduct matter in respect of the call handler who dealt with the first call.

During the investigation, our investigators interviewed the officer and reviewed training records, as well as a national and local policy and guidance.

We formed the opinion that there was sufficient evidence upon which a reasonable tribunal, properly directed, could find misconduct in respect of the officer who dealt with the telephone call.

West Midlands Police agreed with this and the matter was sent to a formal misconduct meeting in the summer of 2018, which found allegations against the officer proven. The officer was given management advice and placed on a development plan, which included training on safeguarding.