New city service launched

A NEW partnership between Police Scotland and a children’s charity in Dundee has developed a programme in response to Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

The official launch of the new services and programme, which will run as a pilot for two years, took place in Dundee today.

The programme is funded by Barnardo’s Scotland, Police Scotland and Comic Relief.

The aim of t he programme is to reach, protect and support children and young people who are at risk of CSE in Dundee.

CSE advisers from the charity’s RISE (reducing the i mpact of sexual exploitation) service will support Police Scotland’s officers by improving their support to children under the age of 18.

In consultation with Police Scotland, the CSE adviser will assist in identifying and disrupting perpetrators and perpetrator networks, protecting current victims, and preventing new victims, by bringing together intelligence information.

Peter Nield, Barnardo’s Scotland’s assistant director, said: “Working in partn e rs h i p w i t h Po l i c e Scotland sharing skills, knowledge and i ntelligence will provide a coordinated response to CSE across Dundee”.

CSE advisers are located in Police Scotland HQ Dundee, supporting frontline officers and other key agencies providing a coordinated response to CSE.