A Law Enforcement Guide on International Parental Kidnapping

• NCJ Number: 250606
• Date Published: July 2018
• Length: 100 pages
• Agencies: OJJDP
• Publication Type: Youth-Oriented Material; Report (Technical Assistance); Instructional Material

Annotation

This guide for local, state, and federal law enforcement officers instructs them in how to respond appropriately and effectively to the unlawful removal to or retention of a child in a jurisdiction outside of the United States.

Abstract

The guide describes the role of a law enforcement agency as the initial responder to and investigator of such cases, and it suggests strategies for the recovery of child victims and their reunification with their legal parent/guardian, as well as the criminal investigation of the suspected offending parent. Specifically, the guide addresses the following issues: 1) the risks and effects of this problem, as well as its scope and remedies; 2) law enforcement interventions that can prevent parental kidnapping; 3) the initial law enforcement response; 4) how to stop a kidnapping in progress; 5) the continuing investigation in the United States and abroad; 6) federal resources that can aid in the investigation; 7) criminal charging options; 8) extradition; 9) child recovery mechanisms; 10) reunification with the legal parent/guardian; and 11) law enforcement liability concerns. 5 references and appended listings of important contacts, resources, and recommended readings