Officers commonly execute search and arrest warrants on offenders who have committed various state or federal crimes. However, for some child-sex offenders (CSO), this is the first time they have been the focus of an investigation. The dynamic interplay between investigators and CSOs is a complex dance impacted by many variables, such as the specific type of crime, the offender’s background and personality, and the officers’ perception and preparation. Also, the unique responses of investigators and CSOs can change this interaction. Due to this life-changing event, the impact on CSOs can result in a violent response to authorities.

The authors offer suggestions for officers to consider. These focus on interactions, including knock and talks and search and arrest warrants, that investigators may have with CSOs.³ However, some of the more dangerous reported incidents have occurred when officers attempted to contact CSOs who did not appear for a court hearing or other mandated legal proceeding. The potential for CSOs to act out violently during an interaction with officers demands consideration in every case and at each phase in the legal process (e.g., awareness, arrest, detention, release, indictment, preliminary hearing, trial, plea agreement, sentencing, and incarceration).⁴

Before Contact with a CSO

• Prepare search or arrest team members for the CSO’s state of mind.
• Brief the team on the plan, along with any contingencies.
• Stress the importance of safety gear, such as body armor.
• Use the Situation, Missions, Execution, Administration, and Communication model (SMEAC) to organize the search or arrest plan.
• Employ a best-practices approach when interacting with a CSO to prepare for and prevent violence.
• Conduct surveillance and other techniques to obtain information about the CSO.
• Plan for how the approach and tactical response will impact the interview and balance with safety concerns.
• Consider what themes to use if CSOs respond negatively and the team must negotiate with them.
• Consider if, or when, a SWAT or crisis negotiation team would be requested.
• Discuss and plan for seizing weapons for both the CSO’s and officers’ safety—when team members return to make an arrest, the CSO may be prepared.

During Interaction with a CSO

• Conduct an initial evaluation of the CSO’s reaction to investigators.
• Attempt to slow the process—keeping it calm and controlled—to decrease the stress of the offender and officers and increase rational decision making.
• Safely exercise appropriate physical control over the CSO, consistent with the law and the agency’s restraint policy.
• Build rapport with CSOs by treating them with respect, thus encouraging them to cooperate with the interview and share information that could highlight potential risk factors or stressors.
• Continue to evaluate stress levels for increased elevations throughout the period of contact or as long as law enforcement remains present.
• Ask CSOs how they will be impacted; observe their reactions and responses.
• Do not allow offenders to roam freely.
• If officers allow CSOs to leave during a search, one investigator must ensure that they do not return and surprise the search team.
• Ask CSOs about the presence and location of any firearms.
• If a CSO has access to firearms, secure all weapons by clearing them, emptying the magazines and separating them from the guns, or placing the weapons in a law enforcement officer’s vehicle until the team vacates the premises.
• Ask the offender about prior suicidal thoughts or attempts, as well as details, such as where, when, and what triggered the behavior.
• Ask CSOs directly if they are considering suicide. Asking will not give them the idea—suicidal individuals already have thought about it.
• Obtain contact information for family members or close friends and notify them if the CSO exhibits concerning behaviors or makes remarks that indicate elevated suicide risk.
• Ask CSOs if they see or have seen a mental health professional. Request consent to speak with that individual.
• Coordinate with the prosecuting attorney with respect to what, if any, steps can and should be taken regarding firearms discovered during the execution of a warrant.
• Assess the residence, such as its layout, to address contingencies in the event of an altercation with the CSO if officers need to return to the residence.

After Meeting with a CSO

• If local law enforcement officers are not involved in the operation, inform them of your contact with the offenders and the potential risk of harm by the individuals to themselves or others.
• Conduct a debriefing with the team to discuss any potential issues regarding risk.

Conclusion

Often, law enforcement officers perceive child-sex offenders as less dangerous and violent than other types of perpetrators. However, the authors argue that these offenders pose considerable risk to themselves and potential danger to investigators.⁵ The authors advise officers to prepare in advance for interviews with CSOs that address their risk for suicide and to brief their teams on issues related to suicide or violence risk. Additionally, investigators should ask CSOs about past or current suicidal ideations and consider contacting a family member or, if applicable, a therapist if a CSO displays any risk factors. Most important, investigators should treat all CSOs as subjects who could become volatile, suicidal, or dangerous.