It is important that the police conduct a thorough investigation where allegations of child sexual abuse are reported. The investigations into child sexual abuse by the police are an operational matter for the relevant Chief Officer. They are supported in operational matters through the provision of Authorised Professional Practice from the College of Policing who will shortly be providing updated advice in respect of investigating child abuse cases. This will cover all aspects of the police investigation including the need for the police to develop an identification strategy to identify victims and/or witnesses to avoid any suggestion of 'trawling'. It will also provide advice on arrest, charging and prosecution as well as advice on cases where an investigation identifies a false allegation and, where appropriate, the need for the police to consider supporting a prosecution for attempting to pervert the course of justice.

It is important that the police conduct a thorough investigation where allegations of child sexual abuse are reported. The investigations into child sexual abuse by the police are an operational matter for the relevant Chief Officer. They are supported in operational matters through the provision of Authorised Professional Practice from the College of Policing who will shortly be providing updated advice in respect of investigating child abuse cases. This will cover all aspects of the police investigation including the need for the police to develop an identification strategy to identify victims and/or witnesses to avoid any suggestion of 'trawling'. It will also provide advice on arrest, charging and prosecution as well as advice on cases where an investigation identifies a false allegation and, where appropriate, the need for the police to consider supporting a prosecution for attempting to pervert the course of justice.

It is important that the police conduct a thorough investigation where allegations of child sexual abuse are reported. The investigations into child sexual abuse by the police are an operational matter for the relevant Chief Officer. They are supported in operational matters through the provision of Authorised Professional Practice from the College of Policing who will shortly be providing updated advice in respect of investigating child abuse cases. This will cover all aspects of the police investigation including the need for the police to develop an identification strategy to identify victims and/or witnesses to avoid any suggestion of 'trawling'. It will also provide advice on arrest, charging and prosecution as well as advice on cases where an investigation identifies a false allegation and, where appropriate, the need for the police to consider supporting a prosecution for attempting to pervert the course of justice.

It is important that a thorough investigation should be completed by the police in all cases where concern for a child is reported whether the possibility of compensation is a factor in an individual case or not.

It is not always obvious, when a complaint is made and then investigated by the police, that the allegation in question may be false. Where an investigation identifies a false allegation, it may be appropriate for the police to support a prosecution for attempting to pervert the course of justice. It is essential that in all cases that all steps are taken to test the validity of statements, corroborate accounts and establish an accurate picture.

It is important that a thorough investigation should be completed by the police in all cases where concern for a child is reported whether the possibility of compensation is a factor in an individual case or not.

It is not always obvious, when a complaint is made and then investigated by the police, that the allegation in question may be false. Where an investigation identifies a false allegation, it may be appropriate for the police to support a prosecution for attempting to pervert the course of justice. It is essential that in all cases that all steps are taken to test the validity of statements, corroborate accounts and establish an accurate picture.

In May 2013, the College of Policing published guidance for the police on relationships with the media. There is nothing to prevent police forces from naming an arrested person where there is a policing purpose for doing so.

However, police forces must balance an individual’s right to respect for a private and family life, the rights of publishers to freedom of expression and the rights of defendants to a fair trial.

A copy of the guidance can be found at:

http://www.acpo.police.uk/documents/reports/2013/201305-cop-media-rels.pdf

The National Group on Sexual Violence Against Children and Vulnerable People is a panel of experts brought together by the Home Office to co-ordinate and implement the learning from recent inquiries into historical sexual abuse, current sexual exploitation cases and issues around sexual violence more widely. Policing and Crown Prosecution Service colleagues work closely together to drive progress within the dedicated Criminal Justice System and Policing work areas within the National Group's work.

On 24 July 2013, the Coalition Government published a progress report and action plan on the work of the National Group on Sexual Violence Against Children and Vulnerable People at a stakeholder event at the Home Office. It contained clear activity already delivered by Government and an action plan to take forward activity identified by the Group.

The Action Plan is already having an impact. The CPS has launched new guidance for police in relation to child abuse and exploitation. The guidance aims to move the focus of investigations away from testing the credibility of victims onto the credibility of the allegation and ensuring victims are listened to by the police. In addition, a joint National Policing Lead/CPS review panel is now in place. This national panel will re-examine historic cases of sexual abuse where a decision had been taken that no further action would be taken and identify whether any issues require further exploration and investigation.