Criminal exploitation training gaps in UK policing and safeguarding

This report derives from the UK’s first national study of police responses to county lines drug distribution and related Child and adult Criminal Exploitation (CCE/CE).

The study found that police forces are changing how they consider and process young people and vulnerable adults involved in drug markets, increasingly recognising vulnerability and exploitation. However, practices still vary widely between — and within — forces and safeguarding partnerships.

Whilst the police and local multi-agency safeguarding partnerships feel that genuine progress is being made in terms of recognising and attributing CCE/CE victimhood, they acknowledge that this still presents significant challenges. These challenges are worsened by inconsistent, and often inadequate, training on exploitation and victimhood in drug markets across police forces. This lack of training is also evident among other safeguarding professionals and key multi-agency structures with CCE/CE responsibilities.

The findings suggest that to help establish an appropriate minimum baseline safeguarding response, consistent across all forces and safeguarding partnerships, there needs to be more detailed national guidance, policy, and centralised oversight in this area.

While training alone isn’t a solution, effective and widespread baseline training on exploitation and victimhood is essential for those in operational and strategic safeguarding roles to achieve meaningful progress.