Child Abuse Unit Launched By Police
specialist officers will deal with complex child abuse and neglect cases in Scotland
A specialist unit to boost the investigation of complex child abuse and neglect cases has been formally launched by police.
The National Child Abuse Investigation Unit (NCAIU) is made up of more than 40 specially-trained officers around the country.
They will help local policing teams with their investigations into crimes such as child sexual exploitation and online child abuse.
Police Scotland's Chief Constable Sir Stephen House launched the unit today at its base in Livingston, West Lothian.
He said: "Child abuse, including child sexual exploitation, is a complex, challenging area of policing and we owe it to all those affected, whether now or in the past, to thoroughly investigate each and every report we receive.
"To be clear, the abuse and neglect of children is an issue for all of our communities. This is unacceptable.
"Children and young people should be allowed to live their lives without the fear of abuse or exploitation.
"We will proactively target those who pose a risk to children and work with our partners to ensure that support is available for victims.''
A phased implementation of the NCAIU began in January with the creation of the national hub in Livingston and investigation teams in Aberdeen, Inverness and Dalmarnock.
As well as working with local policing teams, the unit has also assisted other teams such as the National Rape Task Force and major investigation teams.
Education Secretary Angela Constance joined Sir Stephen at the launch, where they met police officers, other staff and partner organisations.
She said: "The safety and wellbeing of all children and young people is a key priority for the Government, and an issue we take extremely seriously.
"It's why we work continuously with Police Scotland, children's charities, Parliament and others to protect children from abuse and keep them safe.
"The launch of this new police unit should enable more to be done to target, and bring to justice, those who seek to harm children and is a welcome development.''