In dealing with alleged offences involving a child victim the police should normally work in partnership with children’s social care and/or other agencies. In circumstances where it is suspected that the child may have been conceived as the result of an incestuous relationship or interfamilial abuse, consideration should be given to the use of DNA testing and the role of genetics and geneticists. Whilst the responsibility to instigate a criminal investigation rests with the police they should consider the views expressed by other agencies. There will be less serious cases where, after discussion, it is agreed that the best interests of the child are served by a children’s social care led intervention rather than a full police investigation.
