Operation Makesafe
Child Sexual Exploitation Licensed Premise Awareness
Definition of Child Sexual Exploitation Vulnerable Young people under 18 who are manipulated into a sexual relationship or situation by an adult or young person. It is known for children as young as 11 to be subjected to this process known as ‘Grooming’. It involves young people being offered something in return for performing sexual acts. Alcohol, Cigarettes, Mobile Phones, Gifts, Money, Drugs, Affection.
What to look for Adults befriending young people including buying them food and drinks Adults who come in on their own and always target young people Adults who frequently come in with different young people Adults buying alcoholic drinks which you suspect are for someone who is under 18 years of age Young people with adults who are known or suspected to be gang members Girls or boys with older men or women who appear to be touching or behaving in an intimate way Young person(s) does not buy the drinks Young person is dressed to appear older / excessive make up
What to look for Overly sexualised language / behaviour Appear to be truanting from school Appear to be binge drinking Appear to be out of control Male or female who appear to be in control over young person Young person has limited freedom of movement Young person appears malnourished The young person does not have money but does have a mobile phone Young person appears withdrawn and afraid of authority figures
Criminal Offences Serious Sexual Offences Rape Assault Child Abduction Trafficking
Potential issues for Licensed Premises Licensing Act 2003 – protection of children from harm Health & Safety issues – think about your policy and procedures around young unaccompanied customers Negative media attention – reputation We all have a moral responsibility to protect children There may be legal implications for licensed premises if activity of CSE is taking place within their premises and they are failing to act or do not have safeguards in place.
How to protect your business Age verification checks Refusal records Incident logs Police reporting protocols Patrol records / CCTV checks Staff training records
Training your staff Checklist of what staff need to know Up-to-date records for individual employees Regular refresher sessions Incentivised schemes for employee training Training should include: Age verification; CSE awareness; vehicle monitoring. This will help licensed premise staff provide a safe and secure service to its customers and recognise what makes a person vulnerable and understand how to respond, including how to report safeguarding concerns and where to get advice.
Operation Makesafe Licensed Premises Trigger Plan Licensed Premise staff reports concerns via 101 number, quoting Operation Makesafe Police call handlers trained to ask a series of questions. Police response graded appropriately, based on information supplied Preserve evidence, do not move items, if person(s) have left the premises, do not let anyone else use the immediate area where they were until the police arrive or instruct you otherwise Impact on licensed premises minimised and the business protected
Operation Makesafe Questions police will ask at time of reporting 1) What is the exact current location of the suspects and victim? (i.e. hotel room number, street address where dropped off at, area of bar etc) 2) Concise description of both the suspect and victim ? 3) If known, names and D.O.B of both suspect and victim ? 4) Any vehicles involved, if so colour, make, model and VRM ? 5) Who is the designated member of staff meeting police and where will they meet police? 6) What are the specific reasons for concern? 7) If suitable please give scene preservation advise.