Policing Sudden and Unexpected Child Deaths

In England there is statutory multi-agency guidance for investigating all sudden and unexpected deaths of children under the age of 18 years, with similar provisions in Wales, Scotland and N Ireland. Although the majority of sudden and unexpected deaths feature no criminal element (albeit this is difficult to establish at the outset), a thorough examination of all the circumstances, safeguarded by statutory and coronial processes, is necessary. Officers must ensure there is an appropriate balance between sensitivity and an effective investigation. Moreover, the difference between child and adult deaths, including the perception of professionals, the public and crucially the parents and family, make child deaths distinctive. The key ages affected, causes of death, specific child death-related offences, whether circumstances are ‘suspicious’, the persons responsible and multi-agency working, together with the experts relied on are all examined. Police officers are sometimes reluctant to work in this area, due to the aforementioned factors but also due to the potential for adverse media coverage, organisational reputational damage and repercussions if errors of judgement are made in this often emotionally charged environment. The personal impact such investigations have on officers is an especially important welfare consideration.