The Family Crimes Unit consist of one sergeant and four detectives. The sergeant is responsible for case assignment and case management. The sergeant is also responsible for keeping all members of the unit up to date on their training.
The unit is responsible for the following:
- Sexual assault
- Child abuse and neglect
- Domestic Assault
- Stalking and Harassment
- Exparte and Full Order of Protection Violations
- Interference with Child Custody and Parental kidnapping
- Missing Persons
In addition to these responsibilities the members of the unit are very active in the community and take an active role in the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Council. The agencies involved in this multi-disciplinary team include members of the Buchanan County Prosecutors Office, YWCA, Catholic Charities, The Safety Council, United Way. Buchanan County Sherriff Department, Missouri State Probation and Parole, St. Joseph Fire Department, The Youth Alliance, Legal Aid, Heartland Health Systems, The Northwest Missouri Children's Advocacy Center, and Missouri Western State University. The members also meet regularly with The Missouri Department of Social Services, Northwest Missouri Childs Advocacy Center, and the The Buchanan County Prosecutors Office to review cases.
