NCJ Number
179729
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 68 Issue: 10 Dated: October 1999 Pages: 19-25
Date Published
1999
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the multidisciplinary approach to investigating child sexual abuse.
Abstract
In 1995 the State of Oklahoma adopted a multidisciplinary team approach for investigating reports involving sexual abuse or severe physical abuse and neglect of children. Each team would include a licensed mental health professional or counselor; law enforcement officers with experience or training in child abuse investigations; medical personnel with experience in child abuse identification; Child Protective Service workers; a team coordinator or child advocacy center director; and a district attorney or designee. The article describes the team's functions and some of the advantages of a well-structured, multidisciplinary approach. The rules of criminal investigation, including suspected child abuse, include: (1) Know the investigative responsibilities; (2) Do not rush; (3) Get both sides of the story; (4) Conduct well-planned interviews; (5) Eliminate tunnel vision; (6) Understand probable cause; and (7) Keep the case open. Notes