Operation Ore is the biggest attack on what is a highly emotive
and sensitive area of criminality — online child abuse. Clear
procedures and specialist training have been paramount throughout
(A flaw in the child porn witch hunt, News Review, last week). All
material seized has been subject to stringent review, details kept
in the strictest confidence and in cases where we have moved to
prosecution we have sought independent legal assessment. Some
individuals under suspicion were therefore eliminated at a very
early stage, while 1,500 have been convicted.
Our efforts to combat online child abuse must be unequivocal.
We are sensitive to the stigma attached to anyone under
investigation and we make sure the very highest professional
standards are maintained at all times. This is what the public
have a right to expect and that was and remains the hallmark of
Operation Ore.
Jim Gamble
Deputy Director General, National Crime Squad
