Investigation Support
The State Technical Assistance Team (STAT) is available to help multidisciplinary teams and local law enforcement agencies with investigating and prosecuting any crime against a child, such as child abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, child exploitation and internet crimes. STAT investigators are highly trained and Peace Officer Standards and Training Program (POST) certified and have statewide jurisdiction over any crime involving a child.
STAT is also a member of the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce (ICAC) and is partnered with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigations Unit (DFIU).
Field Investigations
STAT Field Investigators can help with any level of investigative needs, from single component to conducting the entire investigation. STAT investigative units are staffed by certified experienced veteran law enforcement officers, many of whom have already “retired” from local agencies.
If needed, investigative and prosecutorial teams can also request STAT’s assistance with expert medical opinions or reviews on complex cases of physical and sexual abuse. Dr. Beal, a forensic pediatrician based out of Columbia, is STAT’s medical consultant. Dr. Beal has testified as an expert witness in many Missouri criminal court cases involving child abuse and has more than 33 years of experience as a practicing pediatrician.
Medical reviews should be requested by submitting a Request for Assistance Form. Once the request is received, a Field Investigations Manager will assign Dr. Beal to assist when appropriate.
High Technology Investigations
STAT operates the most established and most experienced law enforcement computer and cell phone forensic laboratory in the State of Missouri. STAT has a High Technology Investigations Unit available to help with digital forensic analysis supporting criminal investigations of any crime involving a child victim.
This unit conducts undercover internet operations in search of online predators and offenders who produce, distribute and collect child sexual abuse visual contraband. They also complete digital forensic examinations of computers, cell phones and any other digital device in support of all crimes against children.
By focusing only on crimes against children, STAT can guarantee rapid evidence recovery and a quick turn-around on computers and cell phones submitted for investigation.
The STAT Forensic Unit has recently joined forces with the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Digital Forensic Investigations Unit (DFIU). The new unit is now called the Missouri Digital Forensic Center (MDFC). Please contact us if you need assistance with digital forensic analysis.
MDFC MainNumber: (573) 526-6371
Email: mdfc@mshp.dps.mo.gov
Additional Resources
STAT Links
Contact Us
Missouri Department of Social Services
State Technical Assistance Team
PO Box 208
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0208
Phone: (573) 751-5980
Toll Free: (800) 487-1626 (24-hour/365 day accessibility, continental US only)
Fax: (573) 751-1479
E-mail: dss.stat@dss.mo.gov