The Star
August 29, 2015
South Yorkshire Police have arrested 446 people on suspicion of child sexual offences in the 12 months since the Jay Report – with 72 arrests specifically for grooming.
The force’s district commander for Rotherham, Chief Superintendent Jason Harwin, says the figures are evidence police are making progress in tackling Child Sexual Exploitation.
He said: “Public confidence comes from taking things seriously.
“Ultimately they see action and support, whether support to be a witness in an investigation or for arresting those responsible and putting them before the court.
“We recognise that individuals who have been victims and survivors need support not just during a trial or investigation, but later on in life as well.
“We cannot underestimate the impact it has had, not just on the reputation of Rotherham, and the impact on victims and survivors, but South Yorkshire as a whole.
“The public tell us the way to get that confidence back is to show we take it very seriously and we are taking action to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
“We are doing that through increased awareness in the community, enhanced training and by looking at all means to secure evidence.”