Detectives
within the Unit recognized the need for an area that was "child
friendly." With this in mind, they "adopted" an office
in the unit, installed an older model television, VCR, books, and
a few toys. Detective Kelly Heydon,
seeing the need to "brighten up" the room, worked toward
obtaining the volunteer services of Peggy Bassett to paint cartoon
characters on the walls. Local businesses donated carpet, toys,
a new TV/VCR, and new coloring books. The Sheriff's Office is very
proud of the final outcome. Through a public-private effort, a child-friendly
area provides a sanctuary for victims during difficult times.
The Unit is comprised of one sergeant
and four detectives whose main function is the investigation of
crimes committed against children. One detective is also assigned
to a specialized unit involved with the Reno Police Department's
Sexual Offender Notification Unit. These detectives are resolute
in their commitment to conduct unbiased, non-judgmental investigations.
The CVCU works towards protecting child victims, while at the same
time prosecuting those who would prey upon children. CVCU staff
believes children have a fundamental right to be protected from
harm and are dedicated to preventing child victims from re-victimization
through continuing education and training.
In September of 2001, the Washoe
County Sheriff's Office established an Internet Crimes Against Children
Task Force (ICAC). The Task Force is part of a national effort to
protect children from sexual exploitation over the Internet. An
increase in cybernet crimes involving
children is anticipated. This will present new technical and investigative
challenges for law enforcement. It is the goal of the CVCU to ensure
its investigators receive specialized training in Internet crimes
and be equipped with the necessary computer technology designed
to enable a knowledgeable, competent investigative response.
The main thrust that the Crimes
vs. Children Unit has held, and will continue to hold, is that of
being proactive in the prevention of crimes against juveniles and
the apprehension and ultimate prosecution of those who prey upon
them. With this in mind, a new program called "Project Alert"
has been implemented within our community. This program alerts local
citizens of the abduction of a juvenile or a confirmed missing juvenile.
When a local law enforcement agency verifies a juvenile is missing
under certain criteria, the agency will contact a local radio station,
which will then broadcast all of the vital information regarding
the missing subject. These broadcasts will continue for a specific
length of time. The key to the system is that ALL local and neighboring
radio stations will broadcast the information, thereby increasing
the probability of someone actually seeing the juvenile in question.
