Law Enforcement Response

The Washington State Governor’s Methamphetamine Coordinating Committee appointed a Drug Endangered Children’s (DEC) subcommittee to examine existing national and local DEC programs, research pertinent legal issues, and identify best practices that address the children’s needs. The subcommittee’s work resulted in the development of the We Care Plan, a tool to assist counties in responding to the needs of drug-endangered children. Following are the procedures for prosecutors.

Review evidence collected by:

• Law Enforcement
• Medical Services
• Child Protective Services
• Local Health Officer
• Reference appropriate laws.
• Determine appropriate actions to take that are in the best interest of the child.

The Washington State Governor’s Methamphetamine Coordinating Committee appointed a Drug Endangered Children’s (DEC) subcommittee to examine existing national and local DEC programs, research pertinent legal issues and identify best practices that address the children’s needs. The subcommittee’s work resulted in the development of the We Care Plan, a tool to assist counties in responding to the needs of drug-endangered children. Following are the procedures for law enforcement.

In the best interest of the child, sensitive and confidential information should be shared among interagency DEC team members. Law enforcement should notify Child Protective Services (CPS) when there is reason to believe that a child has been exposed to controlled substances or illegal drug manufacturing activities or has been abused or neglected as a result of such activity.

Procedures:

• Secure the scene and ensure the safety of initial responders and civilians present.
• Contact 9-1-1 if a child has obvious injuries or illness.
• Take child into protective custody and notify CPS to respond at the scene.
• Transfer custody of the child to CPS.
• Law enforcement does not release child to family members or neighbors.
• CPS oversees placement of child.
• CPS attempts to locate and coordinate placement of children that are not on the premises.
• Acquire warrant for collection of biological samples to be used as evidence for legal prosecution.
• Retrieve and submit samples to the Washington State Patrol’s forensic laboratory.
• Notify narcotic detectives who start the DEC investigation.
• Examine the scene for evidence that indicates the presence of children.
• Take measurements comparing the height and reach of the child in relation to the location of the lab items/equipment.
• Document and video or photograph the scene giving particular attention to the following risk factors:
• Children’s accessibility to drugs, chemicals, syringes and drug paraphernalia
• Proximity of hazards to children’s play and sleep areas
• Non-drug hazards and other indications of neglect
• Access to pornography
• Access to weapons
• Food quantity and quality
• Sleeping conditions
• Sanitary conditions
• Photograph the children at the scene and document the following:
• Injuries
• Cleanliness and dress
• Signs of neglect
• Interview neighbors, school officials and other witnesses.