This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-34401316

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
IPCC urged to 'get on with' South Yorkshire Police Rotherham child abuse probe IPCC urged to 'get on with' South Yorkshire Police Rotherham child abuse probe
(about 4 hours later)
South Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner has urged the police watchdog to "get on with" its investigation of complaints made against officers' handling of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham.South Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner has urged the police watchdog to "get on with" its investigation of complaints made against officers' handling of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham.
Dr Alan Billings said the wait for the result of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) probe had left South Yorkshire Police in "limbo".Dr Alan Billings said the wait for the result of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) probe had left South Yorkshire Police in "limbo".
The IPCC is investigating complaints against more than 60 officers.The IPCC is investigating complaints against more than 60 officers.
He said the delay was affecting morale.He said the delay was affecting morale.
Dr Billings made the comments during the launch of an independent review into South Yorkshire Police's handling of reports of child sex abuse.Dr Billings made the comments during the launch of an independent review into South Yorkshire Police's handling of reports of child sex abuse.
During a press conference he was asked about the status of the IPCC investigation.During a press conference he was asked about the status of the IPCC investigation.
In August, the watchdog said it had received 47 referrals from South Yorkshire Police since the publication of the Jay Report into sexual exploitation in Rotherham and these referrals involved more than 100 allegations.In August, the watchdog said it had received 47 referrals from South Yorkshire Police since the publication of the Jay Report into sexual exploitation in Rotherham and these referrals involved more than 100 allegations.
'Hanging over the force''Hanging over the force'
He said: "I'm very concerned that some of these have been with the IPCC for quite a long time.He said: "I'm very concerned that some of these have been with the IPCC for quite a long time.
"We were given the understanding that at least some reporting would come back from them in the summer. That didn't happen and I understand it's possibly next month."We were given the understanding that at least some reporting would come back from them in the summer. That didn't happen and I understand it's possibly next month.
"It really is important that they start to decide what's going to happen with those who've been referred to them because it's hanging over people in the force.""It really is important that they start to decide what's going to happen with those who've been referred to them because it's hanging over people in the force."
The commissioner said the IPCC was deciding which of the referrals it was going to investigate itself, and which it would pass back to the force to deal with.The commissioner said the IPCC was deciding which of the referrals it was going to investigate itself, and which it would pass back to the force to deal with.
He said: "Everybody's in limbo until that happens so we really do need the IPCC to get on with it and start to make those reports."He said: "Everybody's in limbo until that happens so we really do need the IPCC to get on with it and start to make those reports."
In August the IPCC said it was working to "establish the specific allegations against these [60] individuals to determine what further actions are needed".In August the IPCC said it was working to "establish the specific allegations against these [60] individuals to determine what further actions are needed".
It added that it was also working to indentify more than 100 further officers.It added that it was also working to indentify more than 100 further officers.
Responding to Dr Billings comments, an IPCC spokesman said: "This is a complex investigation dealing with a significant number of complainants and police officers, and allegations relating to events that spanned a number of years.
"We are handling these matters sensitively and ensuring our investigation is thorough, as that is what all parties want from any of the investigations into these matters."
Professor John Drew, who is leading the independent review, said he would "hold a microscope to police performance" during the three-month inquiry.Professor John Drew, who is leading the independent review, said he would "hold a microscope to police performance" during the three-month inquiry.