MDT Cheat Sheet

Crimes Against Children (ages 3-17)

  • DO NOT ATTEMPT TO INTERVIEW CHILD VICTIM OR WITNESS, DO NOT GIVE A CHILD AN AFFIDAVIT

  • Get information from complainant on where, when, child victim identifiers, suspect identifiers, type of crime, and brief summary

  • If caretaker in home allegedly committed offense or if the family appears negligent, contact CPS hotline for LE 800-877-5300

  • Investigators may call the CAC/Crisis Center of Northeast Texas for forensic Interviews, victim services, and/or referrals. 903-454-9999

  • Follow procedures for evidence collection

Sexual Assault Allegations

  • In ACUTE cases (within 120hrs of victimization), an evidence collection exam is warranted by a SANE or physician. If possible, victim should wait to eat, drink, use the restroom, or shower until sexual assault exam is in progress to avoid compromising evidence.

  • Follow procedures for evidence collection. An officer will need to retrieve completed evidence collection kit & maintain chain of custody

  • All sexual assault victims and families should be referred to the Crisis Center of Northeast Texas/CAC for services. 24hr Hotline 903-454-9999

Types of Forensic Interviews

  • The Forensic Interview is a developmentally-sensitive and legally sound method of gathering factual information regarding allegations of abuse and/or exposure to violence.

    • A Subsequent Forensic Interview is an interview to supplement the initial statement completed forensic interview

    • A Multi-Session Forensic Interview is one forensic interview completed over multiple sessions for children/substantially impaired adults and cases with special consideration.

MDT, AllMegan RoyallComment