NCJ Number
139617
Date Published
1992
Length
87 pages
Annotation
This manual provides guidance to local and State law enforcement agencies, tribal police agencies, and law enforcement officials within military establishments as they plan their involvement and fulfill their responsibilities to combat child abuse.
Abstract
Following an overview of the child protection system, the manual discusses the role of law enforcement in combating child maltreatment. Responsibilities include prevention/advocacy, reporting, support to child protective services, immediate response, investigation, and victim support. Team investigation and problems in working together are discussed as separate topics. The third major section discusses the investigative process. This includes details on the interview with the reporter of the abuse which involves information on demography, the alleged maltreatment, the child, the parents/caretakers, and the family. A section on field interviews addresses interviews pertinent to physical neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and mental health information. A major section on decisionmaking addresses validation for various types of abuse allegations, risk assessment, safety planning, and removal from the home. A discussion of special considerations for interviewing children focuses on the interview process and interviewing tools. Guidance on special types of investigations encompass cross-cultural investigations, sexual abuse allegations in divorce proceedings, allegations of sexual abuse in foster care, macro-case, and the investigation of child deaths. A discussion of special investigative techniques considers monitored pretext telephone or personal conversations, polygraphs and psychological stress evaluation, and audiotapes or videotapes. Issues in arrest include the Miranda warning and the use of arrest versus grand jury presentation. Glossary of terms, notes, and 32-item bibliography