The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has published the findings of Operation Amazon , one of several investigations to examine how South Yorkshire Police responded to reports of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham between 2000 and 2012.

Operation Amazon focused on a complaint that senior officers in Rotherham failed in their duty to protect children between 1999 and 2011. After reviewing intelligence, police records, social care files, witness evidence and earlier reports, the IOPC upheld the complaint.

David Greenwood comments: “The IOPC have now stated officially what many following this scandal have known for years – that South Yorkshire police were provided with numerous reports of Child Sexual Exploitation, yet failed to allocate resources to disrupting the perpetrators of this serious crime. From 2000 to 2012 gangs of men were able to abuse children unchallenged by police in Rotherham. The police were passed information from social services, education, youth worker Jayne Senior and parents, yet they failed to respond to the dangerous threat. The IOPC describes SYP’s failure as “systematic organisational failure”. In truth, the police intentionally ignored these crimes. It amounted to a policy of ignoring and denying exploitation was happening”.

A systemic failure of leadership

The IOPC concluded that South Yorkshire Police held intelligence that could and should have been used to protect children from known perpetrators. Instead of taking a coordinated approach, the force failed to act consistently. This was identified as an organisational failure of leadership, not simply the failings of individual officers.

Some officers did make efforts to respond, through operations such as Operation Forced in 2001/02 and Operation Central in 2008, but these were fragmented and limited. Vital information was often not shared, minimised or ignored. Perpetrators were able to continue abusing children for years before they were finally brought to justice. Many have escaped justice.

Policing priorities put children at risk

The IOPC also highlighted how policing priorities at the time were heavily influenced by government performance targets. This meant resources were directed towards crimes like burglary and vehicle crime, while safeguarding vulnerable children was not given the urgency it required. For survivors, this confirms what they have always known, that their safety was not prioritised.

What this means for survivors

Although South Yorkshire Police has since apologised and made improvements, the findings of Operation Amazon underline once again the systemic failings that left children at risk and damaged survivors’ trust in the police.

For many survivors, reports like this reopen painful memories, but they also ensure these failings are acknowledged and recorded. Survivors deserve justice, redress, and recognition of the truth.

At Switalskis, we continue to stand up for survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation. If you are a survivor and would like to talk confidentially about your experiences or explore your legal options, our dedicated abuse team is here to listen and support you.