NCJ Number
95035
Date Published
1984
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Law enforcement agencies must be strong advocates for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Police must work collaboratively with other professionals, such as nurses, and should participate in community awareness programs.
Abstract
Police officers must report all suspected child abuse and neglect cases, investigate all suspected cases, and provide emergency services to protect the child. In most States, police officers are the only persons who can remove children from a location and place them in protective custody without a court order. In Detroit, reports of child abuse and neglect are investigated by uniformed patrol officers. They determine if the child is or has been abused, if the child is in danger in the home, and if immediate action is needed to ensure the child's safety. In cases of nonsexual child maltreatment, the Detroit Police Child Abuse Unit and Detroit Child Protective Services are notified and further investigation is undertaken. In cases of sexual abuse, the Sex Crimes Unit and Child Protective Services are contacted. During the investigation, physical, verbal, and photographic evidence is collected. Most progressive police departments agree that arrest is not the best means of dealing with the problem and that efforts should be made to help the adults become better parents rather than punish them or separate the family. The best time for collaboration between the nurse and law enforcement professionals is when the child first arrives at the hospital. Sixteen notes are supplied.