Law Enforcement Unit 1: Investigative Sequence

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Questions and Answers

Why may victims of elderly or disabled adult exploitation have difficulty identifying a crime has occurred?

Because they are not aware of the laws regarding exploitation

Due to their close relationship with the suspect (correct)

Because they are unaware of the suspect's true intentions

Because they are physically or mentally incapacitated

Who may be legally responsible for managing the health and well-being or making decisions regarding the property and finances of an elderly person or disabled adult?

A family member

A lawyer

A fiduciary (correct)

A law enforcement officer

What should you not assume about an exploitation situation?

That it is a criminal matter

That it is a civil matter (correct)

That it is a well-being check

That it is a family matter

When determining if an incident is exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult, what should you consider?

The ongoing abuse, neglect, or exploitation Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a suspect takes or attempts to take a victim's property, funds, or assets?

Exploitation Signup and view all the answers

Why should exploitation be charged instead of fraud or theft?

Because of the victim's vulnerability and the suspect's relationship with them Signup and view all the answers

What may occur frequently with abuse or neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult?

Exploitation Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in determining if an elderly person or disabled adult is a victim of abuse or neglect?

Determine if anyone needs medical treatment Signup and view all the answers

When may you encounter suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation?

When responding to a well-being check or domestic violence incident Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you find evidence of a crime during an investigation?

Document the incident and conduct a criminal investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an Adult Protective Investigator (API)?

To conduct a social services investigation Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can an API conduct an emergency removal without a court order?

If the victim lacks capacity to consent and there is a risk of death or serious physical injury Signup and view all the answers

What should you look for when determining if someone is taking care of the person?

Availability of food in the kitchen and refrigerator Signup and view all the answers

What is your role in an investigation?

To keep the API safe and secure while they conduct a social services investigation Signup and view all the answers

Who decides whether to remove the victim from the home?

The API Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the victim is in immediate danger and an API is not present?

Contact your supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a law enforcement officer during an investigation?

To conduct an impartial investigation to bring a suspect to justice Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step an officer should take when responding to a call for service?

Preserve life first Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer's approach be when responding to an incident?

Compassionate and reassuring Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of following a basic investigative sequence?

To establish a reputation in court and in public Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of a law enforcement officer during an investigation?

Conducting a fair and impartial investigation Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for an officer to understand their basic responsibilities and agency limitations?

To respond appropriately to crimes against persons Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a law enforcement officer in an incident?

Either a stabilizer or an enforcer based on the circumstances Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to follow a systematic approach to each investigation?

To conduct a fair and impartial investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of human trafficking?

To exploit people for commercial sex trade or labor Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum percentage of proceeds the woman received in the given scenario?

15% Signup and view all the answers

What is an indicator of human trafficking in the given scenario?

The woman received a percentage of the proceeds Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the two threshold questions in determining human trafficking?

To determine if a person is a victim of human trafficking Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when responding to a call involving child pornography on a computer or electronic device?

Do not touch the device and contact your supervisor for help Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of fraud in the context of human trafficking?

False or deceptive offers of employment Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of human trafficking?

Long-term, ongoing captivity Signup and view all the answers

What is child pornography, as defined by the Florida Statutes?

Any image depicting a minor engaging in sexual conduct Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of control used by human traffickers?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What may be a sign of a predator or pedophile's behavior?

Using a computer to solicit sexual performances by children Signup and view all the answers

What is a sexual performance, as defined in the context of child sexual exploitation?

A dance, play, motion picture, photograph, or any other visual representation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between human trafficking and other forms of exploitation?

The use of force, fraud, or coercion Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a suspect is present when responding to a call involving child pornography?

Do not allow the suspect to touch the computer or electronic device Signup and view all the answers

What is juvenile sexual abuse, as defined in the context of child sexual exploitation?

Any sexual behavior a minor engages in that occurs without the consent of the other person Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to contact your supervisor when responding to a call involving child pornography?

To get assistance from a specialized expert Signup and view all the answers

What is a common restriction placed on sexual offenders and predators on probation or parole?

They are not allowed to have any pornography in their possession Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Basic Investigative Sequence

An impartial investigation is crucial in bringing a suspect to justice and earning public trust
Objective investigative work is essential in establishing a reputation in court and public
When responding to a call for service, prioritize preserving life and then preserving the scene for investigation
Approach incidents with compassion and a reassuring presence, and be prepared to assume roles as a stabilizer or enforcer based on circumstances
Follow a basic investigative sequence, referring to Figure 7-1 throughout the investigation

Investigation of Crimes Against Persons

Conduct each investigation with attention to accuracy, detail, and professionalism
Look beyond the surface of a situation to understand the dynamics that may be occurring
Consider the ongoing abuse, neglect, or exploitation a criminal matter, not just a family matter
Contact a supervisor for guidance when dealing with exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult

Exploitation of Elderly Persons or Disabled Adults

Exploitation occurs when a suspect takes or attempts to take a victim's property, funds, or assets
Exploitation may also occur through abuse of a special relationship, resulting in unauthorized seizure or social, financial, or physical hardship or neglect
Elements of exploitation may appear similar to fraud or theft, but should be charged as exploitation due to the victim's vulnerability and the suspect's relationship with them
Exploitation often occurs with abuse or neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult

Initial Response to Elderly or Disabled Adult Incidents

Determine if there are injuries to the victim or other household members and decide whether anyone needs medical treatment
Look for signs of physical abuse, such as bruises, welts, burns, fractures, lacerations, and abrasions
Check if someone is taking care of the person, and look for signs of neglect, such as urine or feces on the person or in the room
Check for sufficient food in the kitchen and refrigerator, and determine if the person is receiving regular medical care

Role of Adult Protective Investigator (API)

API may conduct an emergency forcible entry without a court order if they believe a situation presents a risk of death or serious injury and are unable to obtain consent for access to a premise
Law enforcement officer's job is to conduct a criminal investigation to determine if a crime has occurred
API decides whether to remove the victim from the home and place them in protective custody
Law enforcement officer assists API in conducting their duties, ensuring the safety of everyone involved

Response to Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors

Child pornography is a form of child exploitation that can be prosecuted on the federal level
Florida Statutes define child pornography as any image depicting a minor engaging in sexual conduct
If responding to a call involving child pornography on a computer or electronic device, do not touch the device or attempt to find more images
Recovery of electronic data involves complex and highly specialized expertise, and attempting to do so may eliminate or spoil evidence
Many predators and pedophiles use chatting and email to coordinate traveling to meet child victims

Sexual Offenses Committed by Juveniles

Juvenile sexual abuse is any sexual behavior a minor engages in that occurs without the consent of the other person, without the other person's being in a position of equality with the minor, or because of coercion

Human Trafficking Laws

Chapter 787, F.S., defines human trafficking as transporting, soliciting, recruiting, harboring, providing, enticing, maintaining, purchasing, patronizing, procuring, or obtaining another person for the purpose of exploitation of that person
Two threshold questions to determine if a person is a victim of human trafficking:
Did the suspect recruit, transport, or hold the victim in the service of another for labor or commercial sex acts?
Did the suspect get or keep the victim's service through force, threats, psychological manipulation, or confiscation of legal documents?
Victims of human trafficking are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor

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Description

Learn how to respond to incidents with the potential for arrest by following a basic investigative sequence focused on fairness. Apply this sequence to real-life scenarios, such as a fist fight outside a bar.