The need for a medical exam should be assessed. The Deputy County Attorney on call for physical abuse cases shall be notified as soon as possible on all cases where a child is admitted to a hospital or dies as a result of suspected child abuse 2. The Investigations Unit shall assume responsibility for the investigation of all hospitalized child abuse cases as soon as they are notified by the Patrol Officer. Interviews of the caretakers shall focus not only on the current injury, but also on a thorough background of the child's health and upbringing. All medical records including recent and previous hospitalizations, doctor or Emergency Room visits by the child should be requested for the investigation.
Search warrants are to be utilized, where appropriate, to ensure a thorough scene investigation.
Investigators should contact the County Attorney's Office regarding sealing the affidavit of search warrant. It is expected that the deputy county attorney will have maintained involvement in the case prior to formal submittal. The case goes to Grand Jury, the assigned Detective should present the case at Grand Jury. The case goes to Preliminary Hearing, the Detective or Investigating Officer may be subpoenaed. If the case is turned down, notification of the turn down shall be the responsibility of the County Attorney's Office.