West Mercia Police chaplain suspended after comments on child sex exploitation
A police chaplain has been suspended from his duties after making comments about child sex exploitation - but says he would be happy to return to his duties at the end of the investigation.
The Rev Keith Osmund-Smith, lead co-ordinator for the Street Pastors movement in Telford, said earlier this year that he had doubts that information passed to officers was always acted on.
He is now on sabbatical leave after West Mercia Police launched disciplinary action regarding the matter.
The Baptist minister said he had always been supportive of the police force and its efforts to bring those who preyed on young people to justice.
Mr Osmund-Smith said: "I am in a difficult position. I am on sabbatical leave from that part of my duties.
"I am continuing with the other things that I do. If they want me back when the investigation is completed then I would be happy to return.
"I feel I have the continued support of the majority of police officers, special constables and civilian staff. I certainly do not bear a grudge against any officers at the force.
Chief Supt Charles Hill, of West Mercia Police, said that the minister was taking "a sabbatical from his duties as a police chaplain until the new year".
He said: "We can confirm that an internal investigation is underway. Therefore it is not appropriate for us to comment further on this matter at this time."
He added that the Madeley minister will continue to perform the "valuable role" of lead co-ordinator for the Street Pastors, in Telford.
The body has previously been praised for its key role in highlighting child sex concerns in the borough.
Mr Osmund-Smith, who is also Telford & Wrekin Council chaplain and lead co-ordinator for the street pastors, was quoted in an article in August saying lots of reports about child sex exploitation were sent to senior officers.
He said: "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."
Home Office figures show that Telford & Wrekin has the highest recorded rate of child sex offences in the country - with 256 child sex crimes from September 2014 to September 2015.
Last month Telford MP Lucy Allan called for an inquiry into why child sex abuse has been going on in the borough for more than two decades.
As force chaplain Mr Osmund-Smith's role involves offering confidential support to staff at police stations.
