Cumbria's Police & Crime Commissioner says he's "extremely disappointed" with the initial police investigation surrounding the Poppi Worthington case.
Richard Rhodes has told the Chief Constable the initial investigation was "inadequate and unacceptable".
This week, a civil court ruled 13 month old Poppi Worthington was sexually assaulted by her Father, Paul, before she died in 2012, although he's always denied wrongdoing.
He may never face justice, due to a series of police errors.
Commissioner Rhodes said: “First of all my thoughts are with the family of Poppi Worthington who has died in such tragic circumstances.
“As Police and Crime Commissioner I hold the Chief Constable to account. I have had a meeting with the Temporary Chief Constable in which I have raised my deep concerns about the initial police investigation into the death of Poppi Worthington as identified by Judge Peter Jackson.
“I have informed the Temporary Chief Constable that I am extremely disappointed with the initial police investigation which appears inadequate and unacceptable. The Temporary Chief Constable has reassured me that significant steps have been made in addressing the findings since the first judgement in 2014. In order to ensure that progress has been made I have asked the HMIC to come and independently inspect this progress as a matter of urgency.
“Detailed below are key points that I have been focusing my attention on over the last two days:
• Spoken to HMIC and I have asked them to independently inspect the steps which have been taken;
• Written to the IPCC asking for a copy of their report urgently;
• Spoken to the Home Office to offer to talk to the Minister directly;
• Spoken to the local MP John Woodcock and been supportive of him yesterday raising his questions in the House of Commons.
“I am focusing at this moment in time on the apparent short comings of the police’s initial investigation as I have to be cognisant of the future legal and statutory requirements of a Coroner’s Inquest, IPCC Report and on-going police performance proceedings. In July 2014 a second investigation into the death of Poppi Worthington commenced led by a separate investigation team. Following the arrest of two people the CPS made the decision that no further action was to be taken.
“The Chief Constable is responsible for all operational matters and there is no role for the Police and Crime Commissioner in them. The separation of powers is clearly defined under the Policing Protocol.
“During my term in Office improvements have been made to support vulnerable people in the county. For example; I have provided specific funding for a multi-agency Safeguarding Hub which has been established with key agencies working together to protect and safeguard vulnerable young people. I have along with partners just opened The Bridgeway which provides support to victims of serious sexual assault and rape. I have commissioned an education package that has seen 33 secondary schools in Cumbria receive training about child sexual exploitation. I have also introduced Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Assault Advisors in hospitals and a dedicated victims advocate.”
Meanwhile, the Independent Police Complaints Commission has today (Thursday) released a statement, which reads: "The IPCC undertook a thorough, independent investigation into Cumbria Constabulary's handling of a criminal inquiry into the tragic death of Poppi Worthington. The investigation report was submitted to Cumbria Constabulary in 2015. As a result of the evidence we presented, one serving officer is to face a third stage performance meeting - which has the power of dismissal if gross incompetence is proved. A second officer has received management action. A third officer cited in the report has since retired from the force.
"The IPCC will consider publication of its investigation report once all relevant proceedings have concluded."