Special Victims Unit

Responsibilities

Detectives assigned to the Special Victims Unit investigate crimes against juveniles and crimes committed by juveniles. SVU specializes in sex crimes against children or adults. In addition to handling juvenile crimes and sex crimes, the detectives of the Special Victims Unit investigate crimes against the elderly. The detectives work closely with EPS (Elderly Protective Services) when it comes to any type of elderly abuse or neglect.

Juvenile Investigations

Due to the sensitive and unique needs of juvenile victims, detectives receive specialized training in handling child sexual and physical abuse cases to ensure a thorough investigation from the beginning to prosecution. Crimes against children include sexual and physical abuse and child exploitation. Additionally, the Special Victims Unit is comprised of two Child Forensic Interviewers. These Interviewers are highly skilled and trained in conducting interviews of children who are victims of sexual and physical abuse and those children who have witnessed a violent crime. 

Detectives also investigate crimes committed by juveniles, including any crime that can be committed by an adult. Additionally, detectives investigate any unexpected death of a child. Detectives work closely with DCFS, Department of Children and Family Services, investigating child neglect and abuse cases. DCFS will also forward cases to our SVU for further investigations. Detectives investigate status offenses committed by juveniles. Status offenses are any offense that would not be considered a crime if committed by an adult such as truancy, runaway, curfew and ungovernable. If a child is under the age of culpability (10 years old), we have different programs, such as FINS (Families in Needs of Service) they can be referred to for the proper help needed.

Compliance Checks

The SVU works with the Louisiana State Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco in conducting compliance checks throughout the parish.   These compliance checks are done to prevent the unlawful sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. 

SVU also conducts compliance checks on all registered sex offenders in St. Charles Parish. If a sex offender is deemed to be non-compliant, Detectives investigate those cases and take necessary enforcement action.

Additional Information

In the safety and protection of our children and elderly, detectives urge residents to contact the Special Victims Unit at any time, if you have knowledge of any child or elderly adult being abused or neglected while remaining anonymous. Please contact the Special Victims Unit at (985) 783-1223 or our non-emergency number at (985) 783-6807.