Policy Text
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDERS
GO 540.02
Page 1 of 2
540.02
REPORTING CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT, MOLESTATION, OR SEXUAL EXPLOITATION CASES
08-22-17
PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is to establish procedures for reporting child abuse per Penal Code Section
11166(a).
POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Sacrame nto Police Department to report all cases involving children who
are victims of abuse, neglect, molestation, and sexual exploitation to the Sacramento County
Children's Protective Services (CPS) as soon as is practical.
PROCEDURE
A. GENERAL
This order applies t o the disclosure or discovery of child abuse, the physical abuse of children, the
sexual abuse of children and the se xual exploitation of children.
B. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. When the reporting officer’s preliminary investigation indicates that a situation involving child
abuse, neglect, molestation, or sexual exploitati on exists, they shall
a. Ensure the safety of the victim(s) and when necessary, place the victim(s) into protective
custody.
b. Arrest the alleged perpetrators.
c. Conduct a thorough preliminary investigation and prepare the necessary written reports.
d. Contact the CPS Emergency Response Team and report the abuse, neglect, molestation or
sexual exploitation to the on -duty social worker.
(1) During the hours of 0800 - 2000, Monday through Friday, a social worker will be on duty.
(2) From 2000 - 0800 hours, Monday through Friday, and 24 hours a day on Saturdays and
Sundays, a social worker will be on call.
e. If it is impractical for the officer to make the telephone notification, the call shall be made by
the Communications Division at the officer's request.
f. Request a social worker and, if applicable, the SPD Sexual Assault/Child Abuse (SACA)
Unit to respond to the scene to provide assistance. If assistance is not required, the officer
shall advise the social worker that the notification is being made in compliance with the child
abuse reporting law.
2. Per 11166 PC, law enforcement officials are mandated reporters. When a mandated reporter
reasonably suspects that a child is the victim of child abuse (physical, sexual , or neglect ), they
shall report circumstances to Child Protective Services (CPS) within 36 hours. To comply with
this law, officers shall
a. Fill out the Suspected Child Abuse Report form located in the AMS system.
b. Contact Child Protective Services.
c. Fax or email the Sus pected Child Abuse Report form to CPS.
d. Route the form to the SPD Records Section.
3. In all cases, note in the report that contact was made and include the time, date, and name of
the person(s) notified.
4. When the initial complaint is made by CPS, make no addi tional notification(s).
5. When the initial complaint is made by another mandated reporter, determine who will make the
notification to CPS. If the other mandated reporter is making notification to CPS , note in the
report the mandated reporter’s name, agency and contact information.
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDERS
GO 540.02
Page 2 of 2
6. When the response is to a complaint of child abuse, neglect, molestation, or sexual exploitation
cases and the officer is unable to contact the victim, an incident report shall be completed
documenting all pertinent information . Follow -up investigation shall be conducted by the SACA
Unit.