The PCC has put £30,000 into developing an app preventing online child sexual exploitation (CSE).

Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion has given the funds to West Mercia Police to create an app aimed to lessen the risk of young ipeople falling victims to online CSE.

In 2023, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services recommended that all police forces improve their data processes to better understand the risks concerning CSE.

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A PowerApp is being developed for the police, to give them a comprehensive view of CSE cases, including incidents of online exploitation.

Information from the new app will directly feed into the PCC, Chief Officers, the Home Office, and the National Crime Agency to ensure efficient management, allowing risks to be identified earlier to avert further online CSE cases.

Mr Campion said: "Child-sexual exploitation is a horrific crime which continues to cause devastating damage to communities across West Mercia.

"By investing in tools such as the PowerApp, all official bodies can play their part in ensuring these heinous crimes are stamped out of our society and can ensure if CSE is reported, that action is taken immediately.

"I am proud to have provided this investment, which delivers on yet another one of the HMICFRS’ recommendations to ensure West Mercia Police is continually working on its response to CSE."

Detective Superintendent, Leanne Lowe, said: "We continue to do all we can to tackle child sexual exploitation, and it remains a key priority for West Mercia Police.

"We welcome tools which can assist in building a picture of these crimes and help us bring offenders to justice.

"The PowerApp is a great example of how advances in technology can support policing.

"It is vital we continue to work alongside our partners to keep communities safe and this is just one example of how we gather information effectively to work more collaboratively."