NCJ Number
180571
Date Published
1998
Length
603 pages
Annotation
This expansion and update of the author's 1987 publication applies the best available behavioral science research related to child sexual abuse to the most effective law enforcement investigative techniques.
Abstract
The first chapter discusses the state of the problem of sexual exploitation of children. Definitions of terms and the nature of the problem are offered to establish common ground and some insight into what an investigator might find during a given case. This is followed by a chapter that focuses on the characteristics of both offenders and victims. A discussion of the commission of the crimes of sexual exploitation of children is presented in the third chapter, covering the what, when, where, how, and some of the why that police investigators must know; it is intended to help the investigator recognize the modus operandi characteristics and know what kinds of questions to ask as an investigation proceeds. Chapter 4 considers the investigation of cases of child pornography; legal and evidentiary concerns are addressed. In the next two chapters, interviews with victims and offenders are discussed, followed by a chapter that examines the special needs of the search warrant used in cases of sexual exploitation of children. The final chapter covers issues in case management, as it provides a step-by-step review of how to work a case, with attention to dealing with typical obstacles to case progress. Chapter references and notes, 14 appendixes with supplementary information, and a subject index