Crossing Geographical and Operational Boundaries

It may be recognised at the outset or during the investigation that there are suspected or potential victims in more than one geographical area.

At the outset, the responsibility for managing the investigation lies with the Children's Services where the abuse is alleged to have occurred/where the alleged perpetrator(s) are alleged to operate. Criminal investigations will be led by the Police.

Once it is recognised that there are suspected or potential victims in other areas a joint approach should be made by the Strategic Management Group to the appropriate Local Authority Children's Services and Police Force.

The original Joint Investigation Group should undertake the investigation on behalf of the other geographical areas.

A Senior Manager from each area should join the initiating Strategic Management Group to discuss this and agree any resource implications 
involved.

If the number of victims outside the geographical boundaries of the original Joint Investigation Group increases to the extent that it cannot respond, then a Joint Investigation Group in the new geographical area should be established.

It is essential that there is a joint Strategic Management Group to provide overall planning. If it is necessary to have more than one Joint Investigation Group, there must be close working between Co-ordinators and processes for full information sharing