KCSIE 2026 says all police forces in England have specialist units that investigate child abuse, that their names and structures are a matter for each force, and that DSLs and deputies should know their local arrangements (paragraph 601). You may see them called a child abuse investigation unit (CAIU), child protection unit, public protection unit or safeguarding hub team.
Working Together 2026 says all police forces should have officers trained in child abuse investigation and safeguarding (paragraph 286). Where a strategy discussion decides on section 47 enquiries alongside a criminal investigation, the police lead the criminal side and may carry out a joint interview with social care under Achieving best evidence guidance (paragraph 256).
For a school, contact with a specialist unit usually comes through children's social care or the police after a referral, rather than the school calling the unit direct. In an emergency, call 999. In other cases, the National Police Chiefs' Council's guidance When to call the police, which KCSIE points to, helps decide when to involve the police.
When the police are investigating, the DSL should work closely with them so the school's actions, including any internal investigation or discipline, don't jeopardise the case (KCSIE paragraph 603). Even when the police decide to take no further action, the school continues to support the children involved (paragraph 602).