xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"

Protection of child complainants in criminal investigationsE+W

4.—(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.