Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI)
Key Focus: Law enforcement, victim identification, and criminal disruption
The PSNI have a dual role in disruption and enforcement, as well as identifying and supporting victims. They have the primary responsibility for keeping people safe, identifying and pursuing perpetrators, and to work with the Public Prosecution Service to prosecute offenders.
There is a clear demarcation between the roles of the PSNI and social workers. The PSNI focus on protection and pursuing perpetrators while social services have responsibility for meeting the needs of the child or young person.
The PSNI can assist other agencies by being proactive in sharing intelligence and knowledge of families and children or young people at risk.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Investigate criminal activities related to CCE
- Identify, safeguard and protect victims of CCE
- Gather intelligence on criminal networks involved in exploiting children and young people
- Conduct proactive operations to disrupt CCE activities
- Work with partner agencies to develop prevention strategies
- Provide training on recognising signs of CCE
- Participate in multi-agency child protection conferences
- Enforce laws against those exploiting children and young people
- Utilise appropriate powers to protect children and young people
- Support victims through the criminal justice process
- Use the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to classify and support victims within the criminal justice system (CJS)
Lead or primary role
Disruption of Exploitation
The PSNI coordinate disruption efforts, such as working with housing authorities (e.g., NIHE) and being aware of activities in the home and in the community. They play a key role in disrupting exploitation by enforcing laws and prosecuting perpetrators. They work with social workers and other agencies to address issues related to CCE. They manage any risk of harm or threat posed by an individual and gather evidence of potential offences.
Coordination of Information and Response
The PSNI collect, collate, and analyse information related to CCE. They ensure effective coordination of information and response, working with other agencies to address the needs of all children and young person involved.
Significant input or role
Early Preventative Work
The PSNI engage in early preventative work by raising awareness and educating children and young people about CCE. The PSNI work with other agencies to provide tailored support and signposting for children and young people. The PSNI work with the Health and Social Care Trust and other agencies, including the Community and Voluntary Sector to identify children and young people and families to receive early intervention support.
Early Identification and Assessment
The PSNI play a crucial role in the early identification and assessment of children and young people at risk of CCE. They work alongside the Health and Social Care Trust to investigate whether a child or young person is suffering or likely to suffer Significant Harm. PSNI recognise the signs of CCE and conduct assessments to understand the risks and needs of the child or young person.
Supporting role
Safeguarding Structures and Thresholds
The PSNI work within safeguarding structures to address CCE. They follow clear guidelines, policies, and procedures for intervention and ensure that their efforts are aligned with statutory services. Practitioners must adhere to the joint protocol established between Health and Social Care Trust services and PSNI when responding to threats to life, ensuring timely information sharing, coordinated risk assessment, and appropriate safeguarding actions in line with statutory responsibilities.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The PSNI collaborate with statutory agencies and the Community and Voluntary Sector, to share information appropriately and use the correct escalation routes. The PSNI contribute to the development of family support and protection plans. They work with Health and Social Care Trust and other agencies to ensure that the needs of the child and young person and their family are addressed.