Law Enforcement Unit 1: Investigative Sequence

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