Sec. 261.3011.  JOINT INVESTIGATION GUIDELINES AND TRAINING.  (a)  The department shall, in consultation with the appropriate law enforcement agencies, develop guidelines and protocols for joint investigations by the department and the law enforcement agency under Section 261.301.  The guidelines and protocols must:
(1)  clarify the respective roles of the department and law enforcement agency in conducting the investigation;
(2)  require that mutual child protective services and law enforcement training and agreements be implemented by both entities to ensure the integrity and best outcomes of joint investigations; and
(3)  incorporate the use of forensic methods in determining the occurrence of child abuse and neglect.
(b)  The department shall collaborate with law enforcement agencies to provide to department investigators and law enforcement officers responsible for investigating reports of abuse and neglect joint training relating to methods to effectively conduct joint investigations under Section 261.301.  The training must include information on interviewing techniques, evidence gathering, and testifying in court for criminal investigations, as well as instruction on rights provided by the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 268 (S.B. 6), Sec. 1.17, eff. September 1, 2005.