Force leading the way in approach to tackling child exploitation

Warwickshire Police is leading the way in a novel approach to tackling child exploitation.

Last year the force issued 31 Child Exploitation Warning Notices to people they suspected of being involved in the criminal or sexual exploitation of children.

The suspect receives a letter warning them that police are aware of concerns they are involved in the exploitation of children.

Harry Paton, Trafficking and Exploitation Coordinator, explains: “These warning notices are generally issued in conjunction with a criminal investigation and are intended to discourage any further exploitation while the investigation is conducted.

“They are also a useful tool if there is not enough evidence to proceed with a prosecution. They are intended to make it clear to someone that police know their actions are exploitative and deter future similar behaviour.

“Quite often, the people who are receiving the warning notices are young adults who were exploited as children, so this warning gives them a chance to turn their lives around before they become more deeply involved in criminal activity. The letter gives advice on where they can receive help and support.

“Recent evaluation of the people we’ve issued letters to suggests that in more than 90% of cases the recipient has stopped their concerning behaviour.

“If they do continue offending, we can present the letter in court to show that they were given the opportunity to change their behaviour.

“We were one of the first forces to adopt this scheme and the success in Warwickshire has led to interest from other forces across the country who we are now sharing our experience with.”