This module introduces police trainers and participants to the professional role of police when responding to children who appear as witnesses in criminal cases. It explains how police officers must act to record evidence lawfully while ensuring the child’s safety, dignity and protection from harm, intimidation or re-traumatisation.
Module Structure and Key Topics
This module is delivered through one focused, scenario-based learning session. Using a single practical case, the session draws together key principles and obligations related to child witnesses, including:
The session emphasises what police must do in practice, rather than legal theory.
Total module time: 30–40 minutes
Trainers may adjust timing depending on: participant experience and level, and overall training schedule.
Before the Module
✔ Review Module 7 in the Training Manual
✔ Recall key child protection and child-sensitive policing principles covered earlier
✔ Identify common situations where children appear as witnesses in police work
✔ Reflect on risks of intimidation, pressure or repeated questioning
Materials and Equipment
✔ Projector / screen
✔ Laptop with presentation files (if used)
✔ Flip chart / whiteboard
✔ Markers
This session should be delivered as a single, guided case walk-through. The aim is to help participants understand how police should act in practice when responding to children who are witnesses to an offence or incident, from first contact through to court-related coordination.
Present the following verbal scenario (no written case required):
“Police are investigating a serious offence. A 12-year-old child saw the incident and may need to give a statement and appear in court.”
Ask participants:
Allow short responses.
Then write “Child Witness” on the board.
State clearly:
Ask: “What should police do when they first speak to this child?”
Write key responses on the board.
Police must:
Emphasise:
First contact sets the tone for everything that follows.
Ask: “What can go wrong if police record a child’s statement badly?”
Allow responses.
Explain:
Key message:
“Poor interviewing can harm the child and damage the case.”
Ask: “What risks does this child face if their identity becomes known?”
Note answers such as fear, threats, stigma or retaliation.
Explain clearly:
Ask: “What if this child or their family is threatened?”
Explain:
Ask: “When should police involve child protection authorities?”
State:
”Police must notify the Child Protection Unit / SCPA when: the child is frightened or traumatised; the home environment is unsafe; counselling or safe placement is needed; or abuse or exploitation is suspected.”
Ask: “What actions must police never take with a child witness?”
Write responses.
Police must never:
✘ pressure the child to change statements
✘ expose the child to the accused
✘ disclose identity to media
✘ use threats, inducements or humiliation
✘ keep the child in custody without legal justification
State clearly:
The purpose of the closing session is to consolidate learning, reinforce professional responsibility, and end the training with clarity and confidence.
This is not a time for new content or legal detail.
The facilitator should briefly remind participants:
“Throughout this training, we have discussed many laws, procedures and situations. But the core message remains the same: when police deal with children, protection and professionalism come first.”
Ask one closing question only:
“What is one change you will make in your police work after this training when dealing with children?”
Allow 6–7 participants to respond.
End with a clear and respectful closing message:
“Professional policing is measured not only by enforcement, but by how responsibly power is used especially with children. How police treat children today shapes public trust tomorrow.”
Thank participants for their engagement.