Investigating child abuse and safeguarding children: Contemporary developments in the application of psychology to policing practice [Editorial]

Abstract

The police service, as well as Local Authorities, are under increasing pressure to prioritise, prevent, and disrupt child abuse, and which has arguably been driven by a number of high-profile UK-based national case reviews and inquiries that have subsequently highlighted collective failures. There is thus a call for empirical study to inform and enhance practice, and to meet the priorities outlined within the Home Office’s child protection agenda. This special issue brings together emerging research and developments on investigating child abuse and safeguarding children, with an emphasis on informing policing and investigative practice. A collection of work is presented that draws on a range of unique methodologies and samples to engage readers and offer thought-provoking implications for development.