FCPD Detectives Take a Stand Against Child Abuse

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Fairfax County, VA –The FCPD’s specialized Child Abuse Squad works hard, every day to protect children across Fairfax County. They not only work criminal cases, but partner with social workers, medical professionals, and legal experts, to break cycles of abuse and promote child safety in our community.

During the month of April, FCPD recognizes National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Who We Are:

Formed in January 1985 as the “Child Services Unit” with just six detectives, today’s Child Abuse Squad, now part of the Major Crimes Bureau (MCB), is comprised of a lieutenant, a sergeant, eleven highly trained detectives, a crime analyst, and an investigative aid.

What We Do:

Each case assigned to a Child Abuse detective involves allegations or evidence of child abuse or neglect, spanning from physical harm and sexual abuse to emotional trauma and neglectful conditions. These detectives meticulously investigate every aspect of the case, often collaborating with forensic specialists and child psychologists to ensure thoroughness and accuracy.

Handling an average of 500-600 cases annually (roughly 50 cases per detective), the squad initiates a comprehensive examination upon receiving a case. They piece together timelines, gather witness testimonies, and scrutinize forensic evidence, aiming not only to prosecute offenders but also to provide healing to the victims and their families.

Collaboration and Outreach:

The Child Abuse Squad works with the department’s Victim Servies Division (VSD), Child Protective Services (CPS), community organizations, schools, and other law enforcement agencies to raise awareness about child abuse and offer resources for intervention and support.

Training:

Led by seasoned detectives, the squad is equipped with specialized knowledge and skills essential for handling sensitive cases with care and precision. Their training includes child forensic interviewing, trauma-informed investigation tactics, child development and psychology, as well as legal procedures and courtroom testimony pertaining to children. Every step of the investigation, from interviewing victims as young as four years old to gathering evidence and building cases, is executed with diligence and compassion.

The Impact:

The work of a Child Abuse detective is profound, as behind every case lies a child given a chance at a better life, free from fear and trauma. The efforts of the FCPD’s Child Abuse Squad resonate deeply in the community, ensuring a safer environment for our children to thrive.

Anyone with additional information regarding any child abuse case is encouraged to call our Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web  Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.  

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