Citation

Vaughan JR, Kautt PM. Policing (Oxford) 2009; 3(1): 89-99.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/police/pan083

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Home Office data show that approximately 300 infants die each year under unexplained circumstances in England and Wales. Research estimates that a significant number of cases officially recorded as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are likely homicides. Yet, in recent years, several infanticide convictions were overturned on appeal, resulting in public outcry over how caregivers were tried for infanticide in cases of unexplained sudden infant death. This exploratory research investigates whether these unsafe cases influenced practitioner availability and wider child protection issues. It provides circumstantial evidence suggesting that infant death investigations may have become more difficult to undertake because of practitioner reaction to the unsafe cases.

Language: en