Getting help from the police

Advice about how to work with the police and current legislation.

You and the police

The role of the police is to assess and manage risk to children and young people; to prevent harm where possible, and to reduce the likelihood of any harm. The exploitation of a child or young person will almost certainly involve the commission of a crime or create the potential for a crime to be committed. It is therefore important you involve the police in the safeguarding of your child from exploitation as early as possible.

It is also important to note that while the police have a responsibility to investigate crime, they are not responsible for whether or not a prosecution takes place. The body that makes that decision is the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Once the CPS has reviewed cases submitted by the police, they also determine the charge and prepare the case for court. You can find out more about the CPS on their website.

Advice for working with the police

If you need immediate help or there is an emergency call 999.

For calls to the Police, an emergency is usually defined as: Danger to life; Use or immediate threat of use, of violence; Serious injury to a person; Serious damage to property

Get a police check on a suspected offender

If you have concerns about a suspected offender, under Sarah’s Law you can make a formal request for the police to check if that person has a record of sexual offences.

To make the request, visit our local police station and ask to make a formal request for the information under the Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme. You will be seen by a specialist officer, so be prepared to wait or call back. The officer will then listen to your concerns and invite you to submit a formal request for information. You should receive a reply within 7 days. In exceptional cases information might be disclosed at the time.

Utilising legislation

As there is no offence pertaining to ‘child exploitation’ overall, parents may find it helpful to have an overview of existing legislation which can be utilised to bring charges of child exploitation. This can assist you in your gathering evidence and information log.