Investigating police practice in the UK: achieving best evidence in work with young victims of abuse

This article presents findings from research undertaken by the Authors with police officers in the UK. The initial findings are reported here, the research sought to review police practice with child victims of sexual abuse with direct reference to the views of children and their parents/guardians about their experiences. Although the research was conducted in the UK it has relevance for police practice elsewhere. The aim of the research was to inform the development of professional practice and police training in this sensitive area. This article describes findings from a review of the literature focusing upon interview practice with child victims and findings from Stage One of the work which draws upon documentary evidence from case files and a small number of interviews with police officers. This preliminary work has highlighted several key issues: First, a large number of unresolved cases which are recorded as 'no crime', often due to insufficient evidence and the unwillingness of child victims to participate further in the process. Secondly, although police officers receive training, insufficient training opportunities appear to exist beyond this particularly in respect of child interviewing techniques.