West Mercia Police
Staff must read paragraphs 2.97 to 2.105 of Working Together to Safeguard Children as revised in 2006
The main roles of the Police are to uphold the law, prevent crime and disorder and to protect citizens. The strategic plan summary can be found in the document library, Children, as citizens, have the right to the full protection of the criminal law. Safeguarding children is a fundamental part of the duties of all police officers. Section 11 of Children Act 2004 makes requirements in this respect. Statutory Guidance to enable the requirements to be fulfilled is contained in chapter 6 of "Statutory Guidance on Making Arrangements to Safeguard and Promote the Welfare of Children Under Section 11 of the Children Act 2004"
The Police undertake a role in Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) and in Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)
Officers assigned to the Public Protection Unit work in close co-operation with Social Workers when making enquiries in cases of alleged child abuse and act as advisors to other officers and staff in cases where there are concerns for the welfare of children arising from any investigation.
Cases of domestic abuse are known to have long term effects on the welfare of children and all officers dealing with such cases will be aware of their responsibilities towards children who may have witnessed scenes of such violence in their family. See also "domestic abuse" in the "Particularly Vulnerable Children" section of the procedures.