Policy Text
Page 1 of 3 General Order 7-20 (08/29/23 )
CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT OR ABANDONMENT
RICHMOND POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
Subject: CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT OR
ABANDONMENT
Chapter
7 Number
20 Pages
3
REFERENCES :
CALEA Standards: 42.2.1a, 42.2.1b, 42.2.1c,
42.2.1d,
VA Code :§16.1-228, 18.2 -371.1, 63.2-1508 ,
63.2-1509 , 63.2-1517
Related Orders: G.O. 7-4,
Rape and Sexual Assault
E.O. 08 -21 (11/13/08)
Effective Date:
08/29/2023
Revised By: Review
Prv. Rev. Date:
01/30/2019
Chief of Police:
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this directive is to establish the policy and proce dure for the investigation of
complaints concerning abuse, neglect or abandonment of juveniles. This directive consists of the
duties and responsibilities for all members of the Department .
II. SUMMARY OF CHANGE
This policy is due for triannual review , and remains un change d.
III. POLICY
It is the policy of the City of Richmond that all cases of child abuse, child neglect or
abandonment of children are investigated by the Department of Social Services - Child Protective
Services. This will include citizen comp laints of child abuse, child neglect or child abandonment
when the responding officer is unable to locate the victim(s). The Richmond Police Department
will assist Child Protective Services, when necessary, and will conduct a joint investigation of
cases that come under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth’s Attorney .
IV. ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT
All employees are expected to fully comply with the guidelines and timelines set forth in this
general order. Failure to comply will result in appropriate correctiv e action. Responsibility
rests with the Division Commander to ensure that any violations of policy are investigated and
appropriate training, counseling and/or disciplinary action is initiated.
This directive is for internal use only, and does not enlarge an employee’s civil liability in any
way. It should not be construed as the creation of a higher standard of safety or case in an
Page 2 of 3 General Order 7-20 (08/29/23 )
CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT OR ABANDONMENT evidentiary sense, with respect to third party claims. Violation of this directive, if proven, can
only form the basis of a complaint by this Department, and then only in a non -judicial
administrative setting.
V. DEFINITIONS
CHILD ABUSE - Injuries, neglect or abandonment of a child less than 18 years of age, including
sex offenses, caused by any person(s) responsible for his/her care.
VI. PROCEDURE
A. Whenever an officer receives a call to investigate a juvenile problem and the
investigation reveals a suspected or actual case of child abuse, neglect or abandonment,
the officer will:
1. During normal working hours, Monday through Friday, 0800 – 1630, contact the
Richmond Department of Social Services - Child Protective Services , at 646-0438 .
2. On weekdays between 1630 – 0800 hours or on weekends or city holidays, officers
will contact the Child Protective Services State Hotline at 1 -800-552-7096.
B. Duties of the Officer at the Scene: [CALEA 42.2.1a]
1. Provide necessary first aid to the victim ;
2. Contact the Youth and Family Crimes Team if a felony offense is suspected ;
NOTE: A Youth and Family Crimes Team detective or supervisor shall be notified
of every suspected case of child abuse or neglect. The detective ’s response shall
be based upon the facts and circumstances of each incident ;
3. Protect the crime scene ; [CALEA 42.2.1 c]
4. Notify and await the arrival of the Child Protective Services worker , and/or the
Youth and Family Crimes Team Detective, if either is responding, and assist in the
investigation ;
5. Compile an Incident -Based R eport titled Youth and Family Crimes Inquiry and
notify the CPS State Hotline or Richmond CPS of the complaint when a report of
child abuse, child neglect or child abandonment is received but he/she is unable to
make contact with the victim ; and,
6. If directed by their supervisor, perform the Youth and Family Crimes Team
detective duties.
7. When a sex offense is perpetrated against a juvenile, the procedures outlined in
G.O. 7 -4, Rape and Sexual Assault, shall be followed.
C. Duties of the Youth and Family Crimes Team Detective:
1. Process the crime scene even if there are no visible injuries;
2. Interview any witnesses; [CALEA 42.2.1d]
3. Recover all evidence that came into contact with the suspect or victim; [CALEA 42.2.1c]
Page 3 of 3 General Order 7-20 (08/29/23 )
CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT OR ABANDONMENT
4. Photograph the victim even if there are no visible injuries;
5. Document any/all injuries and bruises susta ined by the victim;
6. Assess the victim’s ability to communicate and document