4 Protection of child complainants in criminal investigations
1 This regulation applies where the complainant is under the age of 18 and without prejudice to regulation 3.
2 Without prejudice to the rights of the accused, during an investigation of a human trafficking offence, the relevant chief officer of police shall ensure that—
(a) interviews with the complainant take place without unjustified delay after the facts have been reported;
(b) interviews with the complainant take place, where necessary, in premises designed or adapted for the purpose;
(c) interviews with the complainant are carried out, where necessary, by or through professionals trained for the purpose;
(d) if possible and where appropriate, the same persons conduct all the interviews with the complainant;
(e) the number of interviews with the complainant is as limited as possible and interviews are carried out only where strictly necessary for the purposes of the investigation;
(f) the complainant may be accompanied by an adult of the complainant's choice, unless a reasoned decision has been made to the contrary in respect of that adult.