Sec. 07.02.07.23. Development of Procedures for Joint Investigations

A. To facilitate the investigation and prosecution of cases of alleged child abuse or neglect, the local department shall enter into a collaborative written agreement pursuant to Family Law Article, §5-706(f), Annotated Code of Maryland, with:

(1) Appropriate law enforcement agencies;

(2) The State's Attorney's office;

(3) The Office of Child Care’s regional manager;

(4) The local health officer; and

(5) The local child advocacy center.

B. Joint Investigation of Child Sexual Abuse Allegations.

(1) To facilitate the investigation of alleged child sexual abuse, the local department shall enter into a collaborative written agreement pursuant to Family Law Article, §5-706(g), Annotated Code of Maryland, with the appropriate law enforcement agencies, child advocacy center, and the State’s Attorney’s office to establish joint investigation procedures.

(2) Joint investigation procedures shall include:

(a) Using appropriate techniques for expediting investigation of sexual abuse complaints;

(b) Establishing an ongoing training program for personnel involved in the investigation or prosecution of sexual abuse cases; and

(c) Developing and using investigative techniques designed to minimize:

(i) The potential for physical harm to the child;

(ii) Trauma to the child during the investigation and prosecution of the case; and

(iii) The potential for influencing the child's statement.

C. An agreement signed pursuant to this regulation must include a provision requiring law enforcement agencies to make available to the local department any and all recordings of interviews with a victim, witness, or alleged maltreator conducted in the course of a joint investigation.