The Sex Crimes Unit investigates adult sexual assault, child sexual abuse, miscellaneous sex crimes, and major child physical abuse cases.
CASES INVOLVING CHILDREN
Cases involving children are investigated using the services of the Child Protection Center (CPC) at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's Hospital. The CPC was established to provide a place where a child victim can be interviewed and examined in a safe and neutral environment.
Law enforcement, the Department of Human Services, and medical professionals apply a team approach to investigations. Minimizing trauma and re-victimization of the child are the key elements in this team approach. Trained interviewers interview the victim, while the interview is observed by law enforcement and other team members. A CD is made of the interview that can be used as evidence in court. A physical examination is performed by a physician with specific training in the area of child sexual abuse. After the interview, law enforcement and other team members take the appropriate actions. Parents are provided with recommendations and information based on that interview. The parents are encouraged to contact any of the team members with additional concerns or problems.
CASES INVOLVING ADULTS
The Sex Crimes Unit works closely with both UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's Hospital and Mercy Medical Center in an effort to provide the highest quality of service to adult sexual abuse victims. Both Mercy Medical Center and UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's Hospital have a Sexual Abuse Nurse Examiner (SANE) program in place to more efficiently provide services to victims of sexual abuse.
The program complements a Sexual Abuse Response Team program, which has been established within our community. This team consists of individuals from the medical community, law enforcement, and various agencies in the community which all share a concern for the victim's welfare as well as the criminal investigation and prosecution of sex-related crimes.
ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children)
ICAC is a multi-agency task force that investigates computer/Internet-based crimes against children.
Contact Information:
Investigation Division - 319-286-5400
Related Links
Iowa Sex Offender Registry
