Sepecialisation in adult protection in Kent Police and the role of the police in investigations

Abstract

The police are key partners in adult protection work locally and take lead responsibility for investigating alleged crimes committed against vulnerable adults in our communities. They therefore play a critical role in many serious and complex adult protection investigations. This paper describes how a large police service has organised its adult protection resources and maps out the basic processes and responsibilities involved in leading criminal investigations involving vulnerable adults. Using a case study it also identifies and examines the different demands criminal work brings at the inter‐agency, agency and case levels and identifies solutions and pointers for best practice.

Patterns of Risk in Adult Protection Referrals for Sexual Abuse and People with Intellectual Disability

“…1995). Since the mid‐1990s specialist adult protection units have been established within Kent police (White & Lawry 2009), with sexual crimes targeted in their work. This figure is therefore likely to represent the ongoing difficulties associated with collecting evidence at a level likely to lead to a successful prosecution (Shearlock & Cambridge 2009).…”

“…(1995) who expressed concern that this figure was low. Relatively high levels of police involvement in referrals for alleged sexual abuse compared to referrals for other types of abuse for people with intellectual disability likely reflect the development of joint work and training with Kent police (Aylett 2009; White & Lawry 2009).…”

“…The local emphasis on investing in adult protection competence in key areas is reflected in specialization within the police and social services. Kent police established a number of Special Investigations Units (renamed Public Protection Units) across the county which are coordinated at constabulary level (White & Lawry 2009). Specialist officers work in adult protection, leading criminal investigations and co-ordinating work with social work colleagues.…”

“…The figure of 56% for police involvement for referrals of sexual abuse where abuse was confirmed compares to just 42% for proven or highly suspected cases reported by Brown et al (1995) who expressed concern that this figure was low. Relatively high levels of police involvement in referrals for alleged sexual abuse compared to referrals for other types of abuse for people with intellectual disability likely reflect the development of joint work and training with Kent police (Aylett 2009;White & Lawry 2009).…”

Models of adult safeguarding in England: A review of the literature

“…Both Sadler (2008) and Cambridge and Parkes (2006b), amongst others, have identified the development of parallel safeguarding specialisms within health and police services at this time (White & Lawry, 2009;Draper, Roots & Carter, 2009).…”