Evidence-based models of policing to protect children from sexual exploitation

The study found very limited existing evidence about “what works” in policing responses to CSE and significant challenges in assessing effectiveness because of poor and inconsistent police and CPS data systems. As a result, it was not possible to robustly link specific policing models to prosecution outcomes.

The research identified four broad models of policing responses to CSE:

Integrated specialist CSE teams, where investigation, disruption and victim support sit within one specialist unit.

Victim-focused specialist teams, where victim support is separated from investigation functions.

Intelligence-focused specialist teams, where specialist teams focus on analysis and coordination while victim support and investigations are delivered through wider policing structures.

No specialist CSE team, where responsibility is dispersed across safeguarding teams within an “omni-competent” policing model.

Although no single model could be identified as superior, several features were consistently associated with stronger practice. These included strong leadership, high-quality local intelligence and problem profiling, specialist analytical capability, effective communication within and between agencies, sufficient resources, and close collaboration with voluntary-sector support services.

The study highlighted the importance of multi-agency working, finding that effective information sharing and collaboration between police, social care, health, education and specialist support services were crucial to safeguarding children and disrupting offenders. However, inconsistent information sharing remained a persistent barrier.

Police participants described a wide range of disruption strategies used to intervene before criminal convictions could be secured, including Child Abduction Warning Notices, Sexual Risk Orders, hotspot patrols, partnership work with licensing authorities and intelligence-led operations. Nevertheless, disruption activity was often difficult to evaluate because recording systems were poor and resources limited.

The research also found that supporting young people is resource-intensive but central to effective practice. Different forces adopted partner-led, multi-agency or police-led approaches to victim support, but successful engagement was associated with relationship-based practice, consistency, trust-building, trauma awareness and collaboration with specialist services.

Overall, the study concluded that police forces were making substantial efforts to improve responses to CSE, but that progress was constrained by weaknesses in data collection, inconsistent recording practices, difficulties evaluating outcomes, and ongoing challenges in information sharing and resourcing. The report recommended improved data systems, stronger partnership working, greater sharing of good practice, and enhanced guidance and training to support evidence-informed policing responses to child sexual exploitation.