Child Abuse and Neglect: The Role of the Law Enforcement Officer

摘要

The results are reported of a seminar held in Texas to explore the role that law enforcement officers should play in identifying, treating, and reporting cases of child maltreatment involving military personnel. The 84 participants included civilian and military police personnel, crime victim advocates, social services workers, and representatives of the military judiciary. The seminar focused on providing basic information about the problem's scope, agency roles, and reporting requirements; clarifying areas of legal ambiguity; exploring law enforcement personnel training needs; strengthening mutual understanding between law enforcement and child welfare agencies; and developing a task force for implementing seminar recommendations. Topics addressed included Texas child abuse and neglect law, Federal law, Army and Air Force child advocacy regulations, child abuse and neglect agency functions, child abuse characteristics, the basis for police involvement in child abuse and neglect cases, and training needs. Recommendations emphasize services coordination, increased awareness, operating procedures development, increased training opportunities, and increased law enforcement officer familiarity with reporting procedures. A copy of a seminar evaluation form with participant responses and a copy of the seminar agenda are provided.