Introduction and Background
This paper examines work in progress in applying reflective practice undertaken by the Eastern Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) with a police service within the Eastern Region. It utilises reflections from the process to examine the reflective experiences and indicates opportunities for further development of this approach to assist with developing best practices in complex cases of child criminal exploitation. Police investigators viewed the charges in the case study under consideration as a clear case of modern slavery under section 1 of Modern Slavery Act 2015. One of the victims, a 15 year old girl, made statements detailing evidence of her coercion to participate in drug distribution which involved threats and the brandishing of a fire arm. However, subsequent charges were brought under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (section 5(3)). The case study examines aspects of the case and suggests ways in which practices and legal frame works could be improved to support future potential victims.