Hertfordshire police showcase work to target online predators as safeguarding minister Jess Phillips visits
Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips visited Hertfordshire Constabulary to find out more about work to tackle online predators.
The Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley also enjoyed a tour of the force’s newly-opened dog training facility in Welwyn Garden City and met digital evidence detection dog Micky.
The specially trained canine helps officers uncover mobile phones, SIM cards and other digital devices.
Earlier that day, Micky played a crucial role as the force executed a warrant in Welwyn Hatfield.
A registered sex offender – a man in his 20s – was subsequently charged with two breaches of his sexual harm prevention order and remanded to court. He gave no plea and went to prison.
Another man, also in his 20s, was arrested on suspicion of possession of indecent images and bailed with conditions pending a digital examination of his seized devices.
The warrant was carried out by the constabulary’s child online safeguarding team, supported by the public protection unit and the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) dog unit.
Chief Constable Andy Prophet said: “A huge thank you to the BCH dog unit, particularly Sergeant Dan Amos and Sergeant Jim Hoare, who did a fantastic job hosting the safeguarding minister and showcasing the great work they do to help catch criminals.
“I am truly proud of the excellent work we do to catch online predators and put them in front of the courts. Last year, our Child Online Safeguarding Team achieved a total of 316 charges, resulting in 106 years’ imprisonment terms.
“This year has already seen another 12 years of prison sentences handed out. This is impressive work and I am grateful to everyone for their dedication and hard work in achieving these brilliant results.”