Can the Los Angeles School Police Department take reports of suspected child abuse?

• A. Yes, they can take reports.
• B. No, they are not a child protective agency and cannot accept such reports.
• C. They can take reports only for students.
• D. They can take reports only during emergencies.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is who is designated to receive and handle official child abuse reports. In California, mandated reporters must file suspected abuse reports with the county’s child protective services (DCFS) or, if a crime is involved, with local law enforcement. A school police department is a law enforcement agency focused on campus safety and enforcing laws, not a child protective services agency. Because of that, they are not the official intake point for child abuse reports. They may respond to incidents on campus and can coordinate with DCFS or police, but the formal report should go to DCFS or to local law enforcement. If there’s immediate danger, call 911.