Specialist police units that normally target gangland kingpins have been deployed against paedophiles and domestic abusers, leading to 1,393 arrests, safeguarding 1,351 children, and securing 1,487 years of prison sentences, it has been revealed today.
Deployment of Regional Organised Crime Units
Regional organised crime units (ROCUs) continue to tackle drug dealers, serious violence, money laundering, and firearms offending, but have become increasingly focused on protecting the most vulnerable people in society. Among those jailed was Declan Sains, 28, who talked online to an undercover police officer he thought was a 14-year-old boy. Sains pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child, making indecent images of children, and inciting a boy to engage in sexual activity. He was sentenced to eight years and three months in prison at Teesside Crown Court.
Rhys Meikle, 31, was jailed last month for four years at Manchester Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to arranging or facilitating the commission of child sexual offences and making and distributing indecent images of children.
National Perspective on Organised Crime Evolution
Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for ROCUs, said: "Organised crime continues to evolve rapidly, with offenders increasingly exploiting digital platforms and targeting vulnerable individuals in new ways. ROCUs are adapting alongside those threats, developing specialist skills, technology and intelligence capabilities to ensure communities remain protected." He added: "The ROCU network has evolved significantly since its creation and now plays a crucial role in tackling some of the most harmful threats facing our communities. From disrupting organised crime groups involved in drugs and firearms, to protecting children from online predators, supporting victims of abuse and identifying hidden exploitation, our officers and staff are making a tangible difference every day."
Recognition of Exploitation
Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney, the NPCC lead for national SOC, added: "Today, vulnerability is a theme we recognise and see running throughout so many of our investigations because organised criminals are experts in exploitation and coercion. It’s vital that our officers recognise this and not only pursue dangerous offenders but identify and safeguard victims. The ROCU network has demonstrated that the tactics and capabilities they use to tackle SOC are highly effective and are confident they will greatly assist in the fight against violence against women and girls and online exploitation."
Broader Impact of ROCUs
Since their inception in 2013, ROCUs have grown into a national network of around 4,000 officers and staff. Working alongside the National Crime Agency (NCA), officers use advanced investigative methods to support local forces. Over the past year, ROCUs have arrested 4,363 suspects, secured 7,242 years of prison sentences, protected 2,259 children and 823 adults, and made 1,492 drug and firearms arrests. The units have seized 95 firearms and 652 rounds of ammunition, along with more than 1.5 tonnes of cocaine, 158 kg of heroin, and 8.4 tonnes of cannabis.
