The roles of police officers and Child Protection Services are different yet inherently linked during the investigation of a child fatality. Discuss the different roles and the interaction that should take place in a coordinated investigation involving

Question

child fatalities.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Child Protection Services (CPS) has legal authority to be involved in the investigation of a child's death if a parent or other member of the household is suspected. It should be noted, however, that the CPS role is very different from the law enforcement role; the role of CPS is to determine whether maltreatment was involved in the child's death, identify the responsible party, and then take appropriate action to protect any surviving siblings. CPS does not determine whether anyone committed a crime, nor are CPS personnel trained as criminal investigators or trained to collect evidence or interrogate suspect offenders; it is therefore important that law enforcement and CPS communicate and coordinate their efforts during the course of the investigation. One coordinated investigation is always preferable to two separate investigations. In fact, at least 30 states have either mandated or authorized implementation of multidisciplinary teams to investigate child maltreatment; the role of the police officer is to determine whether a crime has been committed and who is responsible. Accomplishing this involves analyzing old and new injuries revealed by an autopsy, by a review of the child's medical history, thoroughly investigating the death scene, collecting and examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, and interrogating suspects.