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West Mercia Police chaplain Keith Osmund-Smith investigated West Mercia Police chaplain investigated over child sex comments
(about 3 hours later)
A police chaplain is being investigated after speaking out about child sex exploitation.A police chaplain is being investigated after speaking out about child sex exploitation.
Rev Keith Osmund-Smith told the Daily Mirror he had doubts information passed to officers about child sex exploitation was always acted on. Rev Keith Osmund-Smith, who leads a team of street pastors in Telford, told the Daily Mirror he doubted information passed to officers about child sex exploitation was always acted on.
West Mercia Police confirmed an internal investigation was taking place but declined to comment further. West Mercia Police confirmed an internal investigation was taking place.
Ch Supt Charles Hill said Rev Osmund-Smith had "chosen to take a sabbatical from his duties" until the new year. Mr Osmund-Smith had taken a sabbatical from his police role, they said.
'No responsibility''No responsibility'
Home Office figures recently revealed Telford and Wrekin has the highest recorded rate of child sex offences in the country - with 256 child sex crimes from September 2014 to September 2015. Mr Osmund-Smith, who is also Telford and Wrekin Council chaplain was quoted in the article in August saying lots of reports about child sex exploitation were sent to senior officers.
Rev Osmund-Smith, who is also Telford and Wrekin Council chaplain and lead co-ordinator for the street pastors in Telford, was quoted in the article in August saying lots of reports about child sex exploitation were sent to senior officers.
He told the paper: "Because it was going to so many people, no-one was really taking responsibility for it.He told the paper: "Because it was going to so many people, no-one was really taking responsibility for it.
"I was never quite sure the things we were reporting were resulting in any serious action.""I was never quite sure the things we were reporting were resulting in any serious action."
It is understood Mr Osmund-Smith is being investigated to see if his police chaplain role is compatible with that of head of the local street pastors and the chaplain at Telford and Wrekin Council.
Last week, Telford Conservative MP Lucy Allan called for an inquiry into why child sex abuse has been going on in Telford for "over 20 years".Last week, Telford Conservative MP Lucy Allan called for an inquiry into why child sex abuse has been going on in Telford for "over 20 years".
West Mercia Police has three pastors, with one of the positions paid.West Mercia Police has three pastors, with one of the positions paid.
The role involves offering confidential support to staff.The role involves offering confidential support to staff.
Mr Osmund-Smith declined to comment.Mr Osmund-Smith declined to comment.