How To Conduct 4.5

4.5 Session Guidance: Receiving and Recording Complaints Involving Children

Methodology and Learning Process

This session should be delivered through brief explanation and clear standards, not discussion. The aim is to ensure that police officers respond correctly and without delay whenever information about a child at risk is received.

Step 1: Framing the Session – Why Complaints Matter

Trainer Action

State clearly:

“Police are often the first authority to receive information about a child at risk.”

Then add:

“How a complaint is received can determine whether a child is protected or harmed.”

Step 2: Who Can Make a Complaint?

Trainer Explanation

Explain briefly:

Complaints may come from:

• the child,
• parents or caregivers,
• neighbours or community members,
• schools, hospitals or institutions,
• NGOs or social workers,
• anonymous sources.

State clearly:

“What matters is the child’s safety, not who reports the concern.”

Step 3: Core Standards for Police

Trainer Action (Flip Chart or Projector)

Present the heading:

“Core Standards for Receiving Complaints Involving Children”

Explain simply:

• take all complaints seriously;
• listen carefully and respectfully;
• do not dismiss concerns as private or minor;
• register an FIR where a cognisable offence is disclosed;
• act even when no offence is immediately clear;
• explain next steps in simple language.

Step 4: Key Principle

Trainer Summary

State clearly: “When a child’s safety may be at risk, the correct response is action, not delay or dismissal.”