NCJ Number
239966
Date Published
2010
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This handout contains information for investigating the problem of sexual abuse of youth in custody.
Abstract
The primary objectives of this training module on investigating cases of sexual abuse of youth in custody are: 1) identify the foundations of successful investigations; 2) understand why investigations fail; 3) identify the considerations for an effective investigation; 4) understand the implications of Garrity; and 5) identifying useful investigative techniques such as interviewing staff and youth, and evidence collection. The foundations for successful investigations are presented and include a strong & clear zero tolerance policy for staff sexual misconduct; a strong investigative policy; training staff and youth about investigative process and policy; having staff, youth, and community partners view the investigative process as credible; and having legal and judicial partners view investigative processes in compliance with applicable laws and criminal procedures. The module next examines why investigations fail. Reasons for these failures include lack of communications with both internal and external investigative partners, timing and pace of the investigation, distrust of investigators, and lack of support for the victim's safety. Areas that need to be considered in order to have successful investigations include identifying who will conduct the investigation, whether the investigation will be criminal versus administrative, and Garrity issues. Finally, the training module addresses investigative techniques such as the use of potential DNA evidence, reports from other staff and youth, interviewing the victim in cases of staff sexual misconduct and youth on youth sexual misconduct, and interviewing potential witnesses.