POLICE are still struggling to work through a backlog of domestic abuse incidents caused by the introduction of a controversial computer system.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) told the force earlier this year that issues with the ‘iOPS’ system had potentially exposed hundreds of vulnerable people to ‘potential risk of harm’.

More than a third of the 35,107 domestic abuse incidents recorded between the launch of iOPS in July and October last year required a ‘more in-depth review’, according to Greater Manchester Police.

The force has revisited a quarter of these incidents so far, leaving just over 10,000 cases outstanding.

A report to Greater Manchester’s police and crime panel shows 96 per cent of the cases reviewed complied with national crime recording standards.

Deputy mayor Beverley Hughes, who oversees policing, said work had been ‘proceeding at pace’ before the pandemic.

“We’d already done the child protection cases but it has slowed somewhat because of the situation we’re in,” she said.

“It is a high priority that we finish that and the work so far reveals a high level of compliance, so we’re confident there is not a lot of risk in what’s left there.”

The meeting also heard that confidence in the system is high despite several whistleblowers flagging concerns with iOPs since it was rolled out.

Despite this, panel member Cllr Mike Freeman, who used to work at GMP, said: “Clearly there’s be en improvements but there is still some lack of confidence by staff in the new system.Does this give cause for concern to the deputy mayor?”

Ms Hughes admitted that the introduction of iOPs had been ‘a journey’ for GMP but said: “We are seeing increased satisfaction amongst staff, and I am confident that the potential of this system is already being realised.”