Missing juvenile cases may involve children who have voluntarily left home or where the facts of the case are sufficient to determine why the child is missing. Special emphasis is placed on cases involving children twelve years of age or younger or any child at risk or danger for some other reason. Neglect involves depriving a child of any basic need or leaving a child unattended who is incapable of meeting their own basic needs. Detectives attempt to contact complainants regarding particular cases under investigation and assist the victim in obtaining warrants or petitions for prosecution. The victim's presence at one or more court appearances may be necessary.
Investigations can be lengthy in nature.
Enforcement Section receives about 3200 missing person cases annually. Officers on call for emergencies . This Section investigates cases concerning the physical and sexual abuse of children under the age of thirteen. The investigation begins by contacting DCS or the victim in order to obtain a statement of the incident. Depending on the content of the victim's statement, a medical exam may be necessary which serves to collect any physical or forensic evidence why may exist.