Police officers play a pivotal role in the response to child abuse and neglect. However, shared roles in the investigative process for both law enforcement and child protective services should be advanced to provide a truly multidisciplinary team approach and to avoid duplication of effort. Further, the role of police officers in child abuse and neglect can be multiple and complex. Police officers have the authority to remove a child immediately from a dangerous environment or situation, and they are uniquely qualified by their training and skills to collect, handle, and preserve various forms of evidence for use in civil and criminal proceedings. Critical issues associated with the law enforcement response to child abuse and neglect are examined, as well as ways of improving child abuse and neglect investigations and formulating appropriate policies and interagency protocols. The author concludes the best interests of the child should always guide the law enforcement response. 9 references and 1 table