Home Office circular in 2008 281/23

FOI Reference: 281/2023

Request:

In 2008 the Home Office issued a circular to all police forces in the UK.

The subject concerned how constabularies were expected to respond to the issue of child sex exploitation.

The circular was also sent to the then Director of Prosecutions, Nazir Afzal.

In 2018 Nazir Afzal went public about the circular, and an interview is available on u-tube.

Released by Nazir Afzal Former Chief Prosecutor for Northwest England

“…. In 2008 the Home Office sent a circular to all police forces…

Saying “as far as these young girls who are being exploited in towns and cities, we believe they have made an informed choice about their sexual behaviour, and therefore it is not for you Police Officers to get involved in”

Request for information: Please provide:-

1  a copy of the circular from the Home Office ( signed by the Home Office originator )

2  copies of any replies and further communications on the issue

3  orders to constabulary personnel consequent upon receipt of the Home office directive

4  minutes of meetings on the issue

5  documented effects of the circular on operations relating to the issue

6  you may also wish to voluntarily disclose additional material on this issue.

Response:

I can confirm that there is no information held by Dyfed-Powys Police in respect of your request.

It should be noted that owing to the systems adopted by Dyfed-Powys Police in relation to the recording of such matters the information provided may or may not be accurate. It should be noted that for these reasons this Force’s response to your questions should not be used for comparison purposes with any other response you may receive.  

(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 14/06/23)