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Child Molestation, Part Three (From Crime to Court: Police Officer's Handbook, P 17-27, May 1989, Joseph C Coleman)

NCJ Number
117303
Author(s)
J C Coleman
Date Published
1989
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Procedures to be followed by police officers in investigating child molestation reports are described.
Abstract
After receiving a report of child molestation, the police officer determines if probable cause exists to believe that the act of child molestation has occurred. When the child molester's residence is searched, police officers should know the types of materials to look for and the characteristics of the child molester, such as video cameras, pornographic videotapes, still photos, adult pornography, detective magazines, computers, movies, and books. Audio tapes are particularly important as evidence because the molester may have recorded interaction with the child. Characteristics of child molesters vary; studies indicate that 75 to 85 percent of them are relatives of the victims. Another 10 to 15 percent are persons known to the child. Only about 5 to 10 percent of child molestations are perpetrated by total strangers. It is the responsibility of police officers to conduct the investigation properly and to obtain the best evidence possible so that child molesters are identified and prosecuted.