Crime and intelligence - Child deaths policy (N22)

1. Security Protective Marking

1.1 Not protectively marked.

2. Summary of Changes

2.1 This policy was reviewed in October 2024. The following amendments were made:

• PVP changed to Public Protection and Crime Command throughout Policy.

3. What this policy is about

3.1 This is the overarching policy that outlines the roles and responsibilities of officers attending suspicious, sudden, unexplained, or unexpected deaths of children, i.e., anyone who is under 18 years old. 

3.2 This Policy does not apply to still births; however, an investigation should be considered if there are any suspicious circumstances or other concerns including professional negligence regarding the still birth.

3.3 Officers have to fulfil their obligations to the criminal justice system, the coroner, the local safeguarding board, and the child death review function. It is the duty of the lead investigator (DI or SIO) to ensure that these obligations are met.

3.4 These investigations have to be carried out in the most sensitive circumstances. It relates to deaths of children of all ages and involves close, sensitive liaison with parents, carers, and family members.

Compliance with this policy and any linked procedure is mandatory.

4. Statement of Policy

4.1 The Children Act 2004 makes the Police a relevant partner to the local authority to improve the wellbeing of children particularly relating to their protection from harm and neglect. The Act places a duty on all agencies to co-operate. Children are vulnerable throughout their childhood, and it is a priority in Kent Police to protect the public from serious harm.

4.2 When children die police must investigate to establish the full circumstances and to eliminate any criminal cause, often having to look beyond existing medical conditions. Initial investigations can inform homicide enquiries, child protection investigations, coroners reports, health service 'Rapid Response' processes, and safeguarding practice reviews (previously known as serious case reviews). Early evidence capture is essential. It can also protect siblings and help to prevent future child deaths.

4.3 The death of any child is subject to a statutory review as mentioned in the document Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 (publishing.service.gov.uk), a guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. It falls to all officers to recognise the need to comply with this policy, associated SOP, and guidance whatever the circumstances of the unexpected or sudden death.

4.4 The effect of the loss of a child on loved ones is incalculable. Police officers have to ensure that the needs of loved ones are met with respect and compassion. Keeping loved ones informed and providing them with access to help through charities and organisations is essential. The associated SOP includes links to bereavement services.

5. Implications of this Policy

5.1 Finance/Staff/Training/Other - The implications of investigating the death of a child can impact financially and in terms of resources depending on the nature of the case. There is an ongoing training need as child deaths will always attract the attention of the public and be capable of impacting on the reputation of the force. It is imperative that adequate and specialised training is provided to ensure investigations of this nature are completed correctly and by appropriately trained staff.

5.2 Risk Assessment(s) by the Policy Unit - This policy has been assessed as medium risk

5.3 Equality Impact Assessment by the Policy Owner - An Equality Impact Assessment has been carried out and shows the proposals in this policy would have no potential or actual differential impact on grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, transgender, disability, age, religion or belief or sexual orientation; as a result of this assessment the policy has been given a low potential impact.

5 .4 Welfare - Investigating a child death can be a traumatic experience for staff. The services offered by Health and Wellbeing Services are available to all Kent Police personnel. Individual referrals to Health Services can be made by Kent Police personnel or their supervisor.

6. Consultation

• Major Crime Department
• Response FCIR
• Coroners Officer
• Human Resources
• Finance
• IT Security
• Estates
• Legal
• Freedom of Information
• Health and Safety
• IMU
• CRU
• Tac Ops
• CP/AP DCI’s and DI’s

7. Monitoring and Review

7.1. The Public Protection and Crime Command will have responsibility for monitoring and reviewing this policy. This policy will be reviewed every two years with the next review scheduled for October 2026.

8 Security

8.1. Kent Police has measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management Policy (Policy W1000 – Information Management).

9. Retention and Disposal of Records

9.1. Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal Policy (Policy W1012 – Records Review, Retention and Disposal).