Abuse/Neglect

What is the Abuse/Neglect detail?

Metro's Abuse/Neglect Detail is a uniquely designed unit that focuses not only on the criminal investigation of child abuse/neglect and elder abuse/neglect and exploitation, but the long term needs of the victim and their families. Unlike any other police department in the country, Metro's Abuse/Neglect Detail combines the expertise of (8) eight civilian investigators with that of (2) two highly trained commissioned officers. This partnership affords the Las Vegas community the highest quality of investigatory service which is necessary in handling the special needs of the victims we serve.

What type of crime does abuse/neglect investigate?

Given the family dynamic associated with teen suicides, as of July 2006 the Abuse/Neglect Detail will respond and investigate.

DEFINITIONS....WHAT IS ABUSE AND NEGLECT?

Child Abuse/Neglect and Endangerment - A person who willfully causes a child who is less than 18 years of age to suffer unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering as a result of abuse or neglect or to be placed in a situation where the child may suffer physical pain or mental suffering as the result of abuse or neglect.

Elder and Vulnerable Person Abuse and Neglect - The unjustifiable infliction of physical pain or mental suffering upon a person 60 years of age or older or a vulnerable person (no stated age) or permits or allows the older person or vulnerable person to be placed in a situation where the older person or vulnerable person may suffer physical pain or mental suffering as the result of the abuse or neglect.

Elder and Dependent Person Exploitation - Any act taken by a person who has the trust/confidence; guardianship or power of attorney; to obtain control through deception, intimidation, undue influence over the money assets or property belonging to the senior or dependent person with the intention of permanently depriving the senior or vulnerable person of the ownership, use, possession or benefit of those assets.

MANDATED REPORTER

What and Who are Mandated Reporters?

A mandated reporter is a person required by law to report when he /she knows or has reasonable cause to to believe that a child is being abused or neglected. The following persons are mandated by law to report: Teachers, medical professionals, hospital employees, social workers, child care providers, foster parents, law enforcement. New legislature has removed attorneys and clergy from the list pertaining to the reporting of Elder and Dependent Person Abuse/Neglect and Exploitation.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

What should you do if you suspect a child is being abused?

We ask that you call to report as soon as possible but not more than 24 hours to Child Protective Services at 399-0081 or your local law enforcement agency. Reporters can remain anonymous.

What should you do if you suspect a person 60 years or older is being abused?

We ask that you call to report as soon as possible but not more than 24 hours to Senior Protective Services at 455-8672 or Division of Aging Services at 486-3545 or your local law enforcement agency. Reporters can remain anonymous.

What should you do if you suspect a vulnerable person less than the age of 60 years is being abused?

We ask that you call your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible but not more than 24 hours. Reporters can remain anonymous.

CONTACT US

Abuse/Neglect Office Hours and Location

The Abuse/Neglect Detail is located at 4750 West Oakey Las Vegas, Nevada 89102. The office is open Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (Excluding weekends and holidays). After 4:00 p.m. we ask that you contact dispatch and request the “on-call” Abuse/Neglect Specialist. Abuse/Neglect is available as a resource 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You can contact us during normal business hours at 828-3364.

COMMUNITY CORNER

In 2007 the Abuse Neglect detail of LVMPD responded to 67 calls of children unattended in cars and trucks. As any long time resident of Las Vegas can attest, temperatures in closed cars during the daytime in our desert summers can exceed 150 degrees. Young children do not have the ability to escape this heat, and their bodies cannot handle this kind of temperature. In the last several years, we have had several child deaths due to being locked into cars, and some children have sustained permanent, debilitating injuries from these incidents.

Remember, the weather is not the only reason to leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Children can be injured if the car they are in is struck by another vehicle. Children can also be placed at risk in the event that the vehicle is stolen and they are left inside.

• If you observe a child in an unattended car call LVMPD. Be prepared to describe where the vehicle is located and what type of vehicle the child is in.
• If you must break out a window, try to break the window farthest away from the child.
• Remember to err on the side of caution. In other words, if you aren't sure whether to call for help, DO IT! A child's life depends on what you do.
• Even if your child finally falls asleep, it is still not acceptable to leave a child in a vehicle alone.
• It is a crime to leave a child unattended in a vehicle and the person responsible for the child may be arrested.