Crime and intelligence - Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) policy (N19)

1. Security protective marking

1.1 Not protectively marked.

2. Summary of changes

2.1 This policy has been reviewed in February 2024.

3. What this policy is about

3.1 This policy provides the process through which Kent Police operate the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (referred to throughout this policy as the CSODS). The scheme allows members of the public to report concerns about a named individual and the risk posed by that persons contact with a child or children. Where this individual has convictions for child sexual offences and is considered a risk, there is a presumption that this information will be disclosed to the relevant member of the public, or the person best placed to safeguard the child.

3.2 The CSODS is focused on disclosure and risk management where the subject is identified as being convicted (including cautions, reprimands and final warnings) of child sexual offences. The CSODS also includes routes for managed access to information regarding individuals who are not convicted child sexual offenders but who pose a risk of harm to children.

3.3 The key stages of the CSODS process are:

• initial contact by applicant
• face to face interview
• risk assessment (completed within ten days of initial contact)
• decision making stage - concerns/no concerns
• disclosure (completed within 45 days of initial contact)    

Compliance with this policy and any linked procedures 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 well-being of children. The Act places a duty on all agencies to cooperate to safeguard children. Kent Police recognise that children are vulnerable and work closely with partner agencies to ensure they are protected from serious harm.

4.2 The CSODS is a national scheme that provides a process where the public can report concerns to Kent Police in confidence regarding named individuals and their access to children. Each application will be dealt with promptly and professionally. Where information relevant to the protection of a child is held, Kent Police will assess the risk and where lawful and necessary, provide such information to the person best placed to safeguard the child.

4.3 Through CSODS, Kent Police engage directly with the public. We will provide advice and support. Where information is disclosed, such information will assist and empower parents and others to make essential safeguarding decisions themselves. 

4.4 Following national guidance Kent Police will ensure disclosure decisions are made in liaison with Children's Social Services and where appropriate, agencies involved in offender management. Where any crime or breach of conditions is identified during the course of an application Kent Police will respond in a robust and effective manner, ensuring the safety of victims and the public and bringing offenders to justice.

5. Implications of the policy

5.1 Finance/staff/training/other - there are no significant financial, staffing or training issues with CSODS. It is very much seen as part of, and integrated within, normal business. The scheme is managed entirely with the Public Protection Unit (PPU).

5.2 Risk Assessments - police officers and police staff will adopt a generic risk assessment in line with the relevant procedures and in accordance with their particular roles.

5.3 Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) - An EIA 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.

6. Consultation

6.1 CSODS is a scheme entirely managed within PPU, regular consultation takes place between the Force Control Room (FCR) and PPU as the only two departments involved.

7. Monitoring and review

7.1 This policy will be reviewed every two years with the next review due in July 2024. 

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).