NCJ Number
181814
Date Published
1996
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This videotape, the third in a series of six, focuses on the important aspects of first response child abuse investigations; technical aspects of the child abuse investigation are discussed, including information on preparing for the investigation, conducting interviews, accessing the crime scene, and collecting and documenting evidence.
Abstract
The videotape examines steps in the child abuse investigation and the importance of police collaboration with the courts, prosecution, and medical and mental health professionals. Benefits of interagency cooperation are noted. Specific steps of first responders to the scene of a possible child abuse incident are identified: protect themselves, obtain information from dispatchers, look for symptoms of child abuse, look at living conditions and the relationship between the child and the caretaker, pursue the facts, compare facts and evidence, and document and preserve evidence. Guidelines are also presented on the conduct of child interviews that encompass building rapport, adjusting language and approach in accordance with the child's ability, focusing the child's memory, and clarifying what they say. In addition, the videotape highlights the importance of interviewing the suspect, important sources of evidence, legal issues such as probable cause and search warrants, documents to look for in the course of the child abuse investigation, and the collection of evidence by medical facilities.