4-06/023.00 - Child Abuse

4-06/023.00
CHILD ABUSE

The victim's name and address shall not be disclosed of a victim of 273a or 273d PC.

All courtesy reports for other agencies are assigned to the station/unit detective and forwarded to the appropriate agency.

Child abuse cases shall not be deferred.

Protective Custody

The Arrested Person’s Child(ren) and Protective Custody form (SH-R-625) shall be completed when children are taken into protective custody.  A booking number shall not be obtained for a child taken into protective custody.  Use "SJ/V" in the appropriate section on the face sheet of the report for a child taken into protective custody only.  

Abandonment

SH-R-49
URN
17

Station/Unit
Detective

A

Code 171 - Abandonment.

Annoying, child

SH-R-49
URN
13

Station/Unit
Detective

SVB

A

If perpetrator is not a family member, SRD to Special Victims Bureau.

If family member, SRD to station/unit detective.

Code 134 - Annoying Children.

Child abduction

See Child Stealing below and Kidnapping.

Child Abuse,
physical 

SH-R-49
URN
14

SVB
Child Abuse
Detail

A

On all physical abuse cases, i.e., 273a(a), 273a(b), and 273d P.C., the following shall apply:

• Immediately notify by telephone SVB (record message after duty hours); 
• Provide file number and referral information;
• Actual physical examination of a physically abused juvenile is mandatory.  A deputy of either sex may examine a juvenile who is three years of age or younger.  When the juvenile is four years or older, the examination shall be performed by a deputy of the juvenile’s sex or by medical personnel;
• Deputies should consider having a witness present when examining children for injuries;
• All children residing in the home shall be examined.
• Email a copy of the first report to Special Victims Bureau

SVB investigators and supervisors are available during off hours via

Department Operations Center (DOC) for consultation and response

on exceptional and/or newsworthy cases.

If a victim is in critical condition, also notify Homicide Bureau.  If death occurs, reassign to Homicide Bureau.

Code 059 - Child Beating, Felony.
Code 149 - Child Beating, Misdemeanor.

Child Abuse
(Suspicious Circs.)

SH-R-49
URN
41

SVB

A

Same procedure as Child Abuse, above.

Use only when elements to a crime cannot be established.  If the elements of a crime are present or the victims report a crime, suspicious circumstances shall not be used.

Code 418 - Suspicious Circumstances

Child Concealment

SH-R-49
URN
39

Station
Detective

A

Notify station/unit detectives at once.

Code 399 - Child Concealment.

Also see under Kidnapping.

Child Endangering/Child Assault

SH-R-49
URN
059/149

Station/Unit
Detective

A

273a(a) Felony

273a(b) Misdemeanor

Specify the acts that caused the child to be willfully endangered.

Copy to Special Victims Bureau.

Code 059 - Child Assault with aggravated injury.
Code 149 - Child Assault with non-aggravated injury.

Child Neglect

SH-R-49
URN
17

Station/Unit
Detective

A

Copy to Special Victims Bureau.

Code 172 - Child Neglect.

Child Stealing

SH-R-49
URN
32

Station/Unit
Detective

A

Notify station/unit detectives at once.

Code 327 - Child Stealing.

Also see under Kidnapping.

Intimidation, Child

SH-R-49
URN
14

SVB

A

Same procedure as Child Abuse.

Code 149 - Child Assault

Sex Offenses

SH-R-49
URN
12 or 13

SVB

A

In all sex crimes, i.e., 243.4, 261, 261.5, 264.1, 285, 286, 287 (or 288a), 288, 288.2, 288.3, 288.4, 288.5, 289, 266, 207(b), 220, 311.2, 311.3, 311.11, and 647.6 PC (family member or cohabitant) where the victim is under 18 years of age, the following shall apply:

• Immediately notify the Special Victims Bureau (record message after duty hours).  Investigators and supervisors are available during off hours via Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau for consultation and response on exceptional and/or newsworthy cases; and
• Email a copy of the first report to Special Victims Bureau.

In 647.6 PC cases wherein the suspect is not a family member or cohabitant, the assignment shall be station/unit detectives.  Copy of report emailed to Special Victims Bureau.

In those cases involving electronic media, every attempt shall be made to legally confiscate any and all electronic devices/hardware (cellular phones, laptops, digital cameras, thumb drives, computer towers, notebooks, readers, etc.) and placed into evidence.

Code as applicable.