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CSE linked reference material

Major Investigation and Public Protection — Authorised Professional Practice

All topics

Summary

This section provides essential resources and guidance on responding to child sexual exploitation (CSE) for UK police officers. It focuses on the collaborative efforts required in law enforcement and other agencies to effectively address CSE, emphasizing best practices, legislative frameworks, and practical action plans. The materials included inform officers about the complexities of CSE cases, including the need for understanding the signs of exploitation, the importance of safeguarding children, and the protocols necessary for investigating these sensitive issues. Officers are encouraged to engage with multi-agency arrangements and understand the legislative context, ensuring a coordinated response that prioritizes the welfare and safety of children.

Key principles

  • 1Engagement with multi-agency arrangements is crucial.
  • 2Understanding the legislative framework is essential for effective response.
  • 3Prioritizing the welfare and safety of children in all actions.
  • 4Awareness of signs and indicators of child sexual exploitation is necessary.
  • 5Implementation of action plans to address identified risks.

Full guidance

Responding to public protection and major investigation issues, for example, child abuse, knife crime and sexual offences

This page is from APP, the official source of professional practice for policing.

[ACPO (2013) Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse – National Problem Profile \[RESTRICTED\] (this link is available to authorised users who are logged on to College Learn)(opens an external website in the same tab)](https://www.learn.college.pnn.police.uk/Course/Details/35368)

[ACPO (2013) National Child Sexual Abuse Review Panel Guidelines for Police Forces & the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) \[RESTRICTED\] (this link is available to authorised users who are logged on to College Learn).(opens an external website in the same tab)](https://www.learn.college.pnn.police.uk/Course/Details/35368)

[CEOP (2013) Intelligence Assessment: Contact Child Sexual Abuse: A Baseline Assessment \[RESTRICTED\] (this link is available to authorised users who are logged on to College Learn)(opens an external website in the same tab)](https://www.learn.college.pnn.police.uk/CL/Content/Information/35486)

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Reproduced from the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice under the Open Government Licence v3.0, as captured on 2026-06-27. APP is amended over time — check the source link below for the current version. This is a reference, not operational authorisation.

APP is the authoritative source for UK policing practice and is updated over time. For the current, official version — including any operational detail not reproduced here — go direct.

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Source: College of Policing — Authorised Professional Practice · Crown copyright, licensed under Open Government Licence v3.0. Summary fetched 2026-06-27.