Foreword

Investigation of potential incidents of child abuse is a critical and sensitive matter. Protection of children and fairness to parents are complementary, not mutually exclusive ends. Balancing these interests is a very difficult and challenging law enforcement responsibility.

It is an important part of the investigative process that physical and sexual abuse of children not be camouflaged as accidental injury. To determine whether a child's injuries are accidental or intentional requires careful investigation, and this guide provides many practical pointers toward that end.

It is our hope that this guide will assist you in your commendable efforts to protect children.