Use of Police Protection Powers procedure
The purpose of this procedure is to support officers in using police protection powers to protect children they consider to be at risk of significant harm.
Police protection is an emergency power under section 46(1) of the Children Act 1989. It enables any police officer, who has reasonable cause to believe that a child would otherwise be likely to suffer significant harm, to either:
- take reasonable steps to ensure that the child cannot be removed from where they are, including a hospital or family home
- remove the child to suitable accommodation and keep them there
When these powers are exercised, the child is considered to be in police protection.
This procedure is in accordance with the legislative requirements, Home Office Circular 017/2008 and College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice.