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 and neglect but also on elder abuse, neglect, isolation, and exploitation. Unlike any other police department in the country, Metro's Abuse/Neglect Detail combines the expertise of civilian investigators with that of 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. Given the family dynamics associated with juvenile suicides, the Abuse/Neglect Detail responds and investigates these incidents as well.
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. A vulnerable person is someone who is unable to fully care for themselves due to a physical or mental impairment.
Elder and Vulnerable 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 of an older person or vulnerable person, with the intention of permanently depriving the older person or vulnerable person of the ownership, use, possession or benefit of those assets.
MANDATED REPORTER
Requirements and Who is a Mandated Reporter?
A mandated reporter is a person required by law to report when he /she knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a child is being abused or neglected. The following persons are mandated by law to report suspected incidents of abuse or neglect. If you are part of the below listed activities or professions, you are required to report as soon as possible, but within the next 24 hours:
(a) A physician, dentist, dental hygienist, chiropractor, optometrist, podiatric physician, medical examiner, resident, intern, professional or practical nurse, physician assistant licensed pursuant to perfusionist, psychiatrist, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, clinical professional counselor, clinical alcohol and drug abuse counselor, alcohol and drug abuse counselor, clinical social worker, music therapist, athletic trainer, advanced emergency medical technician or other person providing medical services licensed or certified in this State.
(b) Any personnel of a hospital or similar institution engaged in the admission, examination, care or treatment of persons or an administrator, manager or other person in charge of a hospital or similar institution upon notification of suspected abuse or neglect of a child by a member of the staff of the hospital.
(c) A coroner.
(d) A member of the clergy, practitioner of Christian Science or religious healer, unless the person has acquired the knowledge of the abuse or neglect from the offender during a confession.
(e) A social worker and an administrator, teacher, librarian or counselor of a school.
(f) Any person who maintains or is employed by a facility or establishment that provides care for children, children’s camp or other public or private facility, institution or agency furnishing care to a child.
(g) Any person licensed to conduct a foster home.
(h) Any officer or employee of a law enforcement agency or an adult or juvenile probation officer.
(i) An attorney, unless the attorney has acquired the knowledge of the abuse or neglect from a client who is or may be accused of the abuse or neglect.
(j) Any person who maintains, is employed by or serves as a volunteer for an agency or service which advises persons regarding abuse or neglect of a child and refers them to persons and agencies where their requests and needs can be met.
(k) Any person who is employed by or serves as a volunteer for a youth shelter..
(l) Any adult person who is employed by an entity that provides organized activities for children.
Remember, anyone can and should report incidents of suspected abuse or neglect as soon as possible.
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 within 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 within 24 hours to Senior Protective 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 within 24 hours. Reporters can remain anonymous.
CONTACT US
The Abuse/Neglect Detail is located at 400 S. Martin Luther King Boulevard, Building A, Las Vegas, Nevada 89106. The office is open Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (Excluding weekends and holidays). After 5:00 p.m. we ask that you contact dispatch at 3-1-1 for non-emergency calls. You can contact us during normal business hours at 702-828-3364. If the situation is an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Community Corner
The Abuse/Neglect section regularly takes part in media events and public service announcements related to safe sleep for babies, drowning prevention, and the Choose Your Partner Carefully campaign. Please click on the following links for further information about these programs:
www.PreventChildAbuseNevada.Org
Safe Sleeping
The A, B, C & D's of Pool Safety