NCJ Number
154403
Date Published
1995
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper is designed to accompany the Model Policy on Investigating Child Abuse established by the IACP National Law Enforcement Policy Center. It provides essential background material and supporting documentation to help law enforcement executives tailor the model to the requirements and circumstances of their communities and agencies.
Abstract
One of the traditional problems in dealing effectively with child abuse has been the inability of social welfare and law enforcement agencies to work together in a strategic manner. The model policy takes the view that prevention of child abuse is critical, with law enforcement and social welfare agencies sharing information and responsibility to assure that children do not become the targets of adult violence and parental neglect. Child abuse is a generic term that incorporates a variety of purposeful acts resulting in child injuries. The scope of child abuse is incorporated in the definitions offered by the model policy. This paper discusses responsibility for reporting suspected cases of child abuse and the necessity for police officers to recognize inappropriate reporting. The paper contains guidelines on procedures for investigating child abuse, including: (1) types of information which should be collected; (2) need for a good working relationship between police personnel and medical personnel; (3) physical and behavioral indicators of child abuse; and (4) criteria to determine the truthfulness of an adult's explanation for a child's injuries. There are also suggested measures to protect the abused child and to ensure the child's future welfare. Endnote