ABSTRACT
SUMMARY. The criminal investigation in the Shaken Baby Syndrome must remain objective and gather all available information to establish what occurred, whether multiple abusive incidents are involved, and the party(s) responsible. The four cornerstones of investigation are (1) medical and pathological findings, (2) recording the scene and the lawful seizure of evidence, (3) background investigation, and (4) statements, interviews and interrogations of witnesses and suspects. The criminal investigator is in a focal portion in that he/she is also responsible for chain of custody of evidence, documentation and collation of relevant facts and providing assistance to the prosecutor in evaluation cases for trial. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address:<getirifo@haworthpressinc.com> Website: <https://www.HaworthPress.com>; © 2001 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.J
KEYWORDS. Law enforcement, police, criminal interrogation, background investigation, scene examination, timeline, battered child syndrome
© 2001 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved. 237
The leading cause of death among abused children is head injury (Billmire & Myers, 1985). Violent shaking of an infant or young child, with or without impact, will be referred to as Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS). These unfortunate incidents occur in all segments of society, irrespective of sociodemographic status. The criminal investigator must remain objective and not form any early opinion as to the person(s) responsible for inflicting the trauma. There is real injustice in an incomplete investigation. SBS incidents are tragic, but that tragedy is doubled when an innocent person is unjustly accused. An incomplete investigation may forever prevent identification and prosecution of the perpetrator. A multidisciplinary team with specific areas of expertise and timely communication is ideally suited for SBS cases.
