Public Protection Unit

"By Making Lives Safer We Will Save Lives"

Guernsey Police Public Protection Unit (PPU)

Our specialised team of detectives within the PPU deal with a range of serious and complex crime and are actively involved in safeguarding within the community.

The Public Protection Unit takes the lead from a policing perspective on issues relating to child protection, neglect and abuse investigations, the management of dangerous offenders (MAPPA), domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault including historical sex offences and the protection of vulnerable adults.  They work closely with a number of other bodies across the island including Health and Social Care, CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services), and Education as part of the Multi-Agency Support Hub (MASH).

The team also works alongside other agencies and UK Police Forces in relation to the risk assessment and management of convicted sexual and violent offenders.

In order to assist safeguarding the most vulnerable in our community, the following definition is to be applied when Officers are considering whether someone is vulnerable or not.

A person is vulnerable if as a result of their situation or circumstances, they are unable to take care of, or protect themselves or others, from harm, exploitation or other adverse impact on their quality of life

CHILD ABUSE

falls into four categories: physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect. Warning signs can be rare or hard to spot when a child is being abused. If you are worried about a child or young person who is under 18 years of age, please contact either Social Services, or the Guernsey Police for advice, the numbers are detailed below.

If you see something that concerns you about a child - please don't leave it - report it straight away.

Detectives in the PPU work alongside social workers to jointly investigate all potential criminal allegations against children.  They carry out intelligence and disclosure work in respect of convicted and suspected child sex offenders and anyone else who may present a risk to the general public.  All investigations are carried out sensitively, thoroughly and professionally.

For further information about child abuse and to view the Guernsey and Alderney Child Protection guidelines please go to www.gov.gg

DOMESTIC ABUSE

happens every day in the Bailiwick. The results can be horrific, from loss of self-confidence, to injuries, mental health issues and in the worst cases, murder. Guernsey Police is committed to protecting the lives of both adult and children who are victims of domestic abuse, investigating all reports effectively, bringing offenders to justice and holding them accountable for their actions. We co-ordinate and facilitate the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences MARAC. These conferences are held every fortnight and focus on identifying and managing risks to victims in high risk domestic abuse situations.

Guernsey Police defines domestic abuse as:

Any incident or patterns of incidents of controlling, coercive threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender and sexuality.  The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to:  Psychological, Physical, Sexual, Financial and Emotional.  Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.  Coercive behaviour is an act or pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation, intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten their victim.

Family members include mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandparents, in-laws and step-family.

Domestic abuse is not acceptable under any circumstances.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or are worried about a friend or family member, you can contact the PPU for advice: (01481 222222)

REMEMBER, IF SOMEONE IS AT RISK OF IMMEDIATE HARM  - 999