Child Abuse/Sex Crimes Unit - 46.0 Flashcards
Internet Crimes Against Children task Force (ICAC)
The US DOJ created to help state and local LEO enhance their investigative response to offenders who use the internet, online communication systems, or other computer technology to sexually exploit children
When determining the most effective way to proceed with an investigation,
detectives should consider the following information sources in addition to
those gained from basic investigative practices:
(1). Current and prior results of Sexual Assault and/or Child Protective
Team examinations.
(2). William’s Rule evidence.
(3). Sex offenders living, working, or attending school in the vicinity of the crime scene.
(4). Findings of the Department of Children and Families in the current and/or former dependency investigations.
(5). Child custody proceedings in relation to the report timing of a child abuse allegation.
Detectives may not request or require a sex crime victim to submit to a CVSA or other truth telling examination, as a condition of proceeding with the investigation, charging, or prosecution of the offense
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Each child abuse/sex crime investigation has unique evidence and variables that influence the course and timing of each investigation. The detective’s actions shall be based on priorities in the investigation determined by, but not limited to the following
(1) . Danger to the safety of the general public posed by the offender.
(2) . Truthfulness of the victim.
(3) . History of the Offender.
(4) . Current and/or past crime trends similar to the case being reviewed.
(5) . Direction from supervisors.
Procedures for Conducting Children Abduction Investigations
a. When determining the urgency of a detective’s response, several factors
should be considered.
(1) . Age of the child.
(2) . The location of the disappearance, such as a residential neighborhood, commercial development, or undeveloped area.
(3) . Length of time missing to include time of day, length of time before reported to patrol deputies, child’s activity prior to disappearance, child’s history (prior runaway), and medical concerns, if any.
(4) . Evidence at the scene that may indicate foul play, including but not limited to witness statements, physical evidence indicating violence, child custody disputes, or whether there has been a history of abuse.
Three Levels of Response
(1). Initial Response - Patrol responds to the scene to gather information about the circumstances of the disappearance and to
begin the investigation. The patrol supervisor on scene relays the information obtained to a Special Operations Division sergeant.
The Special Operations Division sergeant will decide whether a detective will respond immediately or patrol deputies will continue
the search.
(2). Advanced Response - A detective or team of detectives responds to the scene. Their function is to continue the investigative process while patrol deputies continue the search. Detectives should begin background checks on all family members and witnesses as well as taking detailed statements and conducting door to door searches and questioning.
(3). Major Search Response - The Incident Commander or designee calls in other specialized units including, but not limited to:
”tracking” K-9 or bloodhound, Victim’s Advocate, the Ag/Marine Unit, and Aviation. An official command post shall be established, if not already accomplished, in a location away from the general public and the media.
Depending on circumstances and evidence revealed, the _________________ will decide to notify the FDLE Child Abduction
Response Team (C.A.R.T.), the FBI, and/or other agencies that may lend
their expertise in the investigation.
Enforcement
Bureau Major or designee
Command Post organization shall be in accordance with Policy 279.0
Incident Command. Nothing in this Post Order shall limit the authority of
the Incident Commander in creation of Incident Staff positions during child
abduction investigations. However, the Operations Section of the Incident
Command system should be divided into two components:
investigative and search. Each component shall work within close proximity to each
other to facilitate a smooth flow of information.
The investigative component may include
the investigative teams, forensic technicians, and supervisors. The Special Operations
Division Sergeant or designee who supervises the lead detective shall direct the investigation keeping in mind the need to share information that may assist in the search.
The search component may include
patrol units as well as any other specialized units as deemed necessary. The Patrol Sergeant or designee shall assume responsibility of the search making sure that there is constant communication with the Special Operations Division Sergeant.
Multi-Unit Investigations
Child abuse, sex crime, and missing persons’ investigations involving multiple
units shall be brought to the attention of the affected supervisors.
The Special Investigations Lieutenant or designee will assume primary responsibility for these type of investigations involving multiple units.
Investigative Steps in Reopening Old Sex Crimes Cases
a. Detectives shall:
(1) . Check the applicable statute of limitations involved and if there are any questions consult with General Counsel or the State Attorney’s Office.
(2) . If the case can not be prosecuted because the statute of limitations has expired, the case can be cleared exceptionally. However, a comparison with other unsolved cases must be completed prior to clearing the case.
b. Contact the Evidence Unit to make sure the evidence can be located.
1). Detectives shall personally view the evidence.
(2). If there is viable latent print evidence, the latent prints shall be sent to the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) for
comparison.
(3). If there is evidence where DNA testing can be accomplished the DNA results shall be compared with FDLE’s DNA database and/or FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CO.D.I.S.).
c. The media may be contacted by the manner described in Policy 206.0
Public Information, to publicize the reopened investigation for the purpose
of locating other witnesses and/or new information from the public with the
approval of the Child Abuse/Sex Crimes Unit Supervisor or designee.
d. Conduct new background checks on the suspects/subjects, witnesses,
and anyone else involved in the case.
e. Conduct a detailed review of the Sexual Battery Examiner’s Report or a Child Protection Team file and ensure it is available and complete.
f. Contact the victim to determine if new information is available.
