A new team of investigators has been launched - to protect the region’s children.
The 30-strong squad has been set up by West Yorkshire Police and will focus on safeguarding and child sexual exploitation cases.
Some are former detectives while others have a background in social services.
And they admit that high-profile cases such as that of Jimmy Savile have meant more potential victims have emerged.
They are backed by a £1.5m investment over the next two years from West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner and are to undergo specialist training at the Force’s Training and Development Centre.
They will then join dedicated district policing teams including Kirklees and Calderdale to boost capacity to deal with complex and challenging historical investigations.
PolIce and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson said: “I want victims and witnesses, in particular those who are most vulnerable, to always come first and any young person who has been a victim or a witness of this sexual exploitation should have the confidence to come forward, trust that their voice will be heard and be justified in believing that the responsible authorities will make sure they and others are supported and kept safe.
“Hiring former officers and experts from a child social care background with specialist knowledge of investigations and child protection issues is a good way to increase resources immediately to tackle cases and support victims.
“It is all around strengthening and building on the safeguarding response in West Yorkshire certainly with increased awareness because of the Savile Inquiry and Operation Yewtree and the increased reporting of sexually related offences as a result”.
Asst Chief Constable Russ Foster, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation is the number one priority for West Yorkshire Police and features in the Police and Crime Plan. This is an abhorrent crime which affects the most vulnerable in our society - protecting children and putting people at the heart of everything we do is our primary focus.
“West Yorkshire Police have realigned resources to investigate these offences and have built upon existing relationships with our statutory partners and third sector agencies to ensure that we take a joined up approach to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults”.
