Agenda Date: 12/16/2014
Subject:
Title
Resolution authorizing a Working Memorandum of Agreement by and between the Littleton Police Department and the Douglas County Department of Human Services
Body
Presented By: |
Doug Stephens, Chief of Police |
POLICY QUESTION:
Does council support a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Littleton Police Department (LPD) and the Douglas County Department of Human Services to define the lines of communication between the two agencies?
BACKGROUND:
Historically, the LPD has followed established protocols and procedures for coordinating a team response when investigating allegations of child abuse and/or neglect. The team response includes members from the LPD, the appropriate district attorney's office and human services department of the jurisdiction where the incident occurred, and SungateKids.
For example, all reports of child abuse and/or neglect to the LPD are documented by a commissioned employee in an official police report. In all instances, the police report includes a summary of the initial investigation and the names and personal information concerning everyone who may be involved. The official police report is forwarded as soon as possible by a member of the Records Section to the appropriate human services department responsible for the child's welfare. The human services department is determined by where the incident took place.
In cases where death, serious injury, sexual abuse, or other serious incidents are perpetuated against a child or children, a detective is assigned from the Investigations Division. The lead detective immediately contacts a member of the district attorney's special victim's unit and the department of human services to coordinate a comprehensive and thorough investigation.
Finally, there are instances where the immediate welfare of a child requires a safety plan be put in place. In these situations, members of LPD and human services coordinate the immediate placement, or modification of living arrangements, of the child or children involved. The safety plan is followed during the investigation and if criminal charges are filed, the court works with members of the department of human services to ensure the child's safety.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
While LPD has followed this procedure for many years, the agency and the Douglas County Department of Human Services understand the need to protect children and conduct thorough investigations by utilizing an inter-disciplinary approach. This is best accomplished by setting forth the respective responsibilities and roles of each agency in a MOA.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
There is no fiscal impact related to this agreement.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Littleton on behalf of the Littleton Police Department and the Douglas County Department of Human Services be approved.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the resolution authorizing the Working Memorandum of Agreement by and between the Littleton Police Department and the Douglas County Department of Human Services.