Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations (CUSI)

In late 1991, the police chief's and town managers of Chittenden County along with the State's Attorney's office, began evaluating the viability of combining resources in several key areas. One aspect involved making a consolidated effort in the investigation of sexual crimes including suspected child sexual abuse. Given the complexities often related to sexual crimes, there was a demonstrated need for experienced personnel able to deal with the subject on a local basis, yet able to network and manage investigations throughout the county, maintaining a consistency of service to the county as a whole. Therefore the CUSI Unit was developed.

The Unit was also designed to recognize and meet the emotional needs for adult and child survivors of sexual abuse. Part of the plan included a comfortable environment for sexual abuse interviews; free of traditional police atmosphere and distractions. The Unit would be comprised of non-uniformed investigators and would have its own victim's advocate who would be able to focus on the immediate emotional needs, while stabilizing and assisting the entire family throughout the potential court process.

A series of meetings were held to seek input into the project, and a policy board was established consisting of local officials from the surrounding agencies and the Department of Child and Family Services. The Unit began operations in July of 1992, receiving a great deal of support from the surrounding towns within the county. Each police department was asked to make some form of contribution to the initiative, whether personnel, equipment, or financial support towards the operational expenses.

Building & Success

The University of Vermont provided a residential structure within Fort Ethan Allen as a home, and many local businesses donated furniture or supplies.

Since its' inception in 1992, CUSI has had unprecedented success in the investigation of sexual abuse. Its' five investigators and victim's advocate have handled well over one thousand investigations since opening and the trend is continuing to remain constant in regards to the abuse of children and adults. Its unique approach to gathering evidence has resulted in a number of confessions, and thus stronger cases that free the survivor from the anxiety of a court trial. The prosecutor's office has commented on the dramatic difference in the effort against sexual abuse before and after CUSI, and the Unit's structure is now being used as a prototype for proposed units in other areas of the state.

In addition to investigations, the Unit is currently engaged in training and developmental activities for other area professionals who encounter suspected victims of abuse. The Unit also conducts informational presentations along with the Department of Child and Family Services (DCF) at area schools to help lower the inhibitions of reporting. It is hoped that the unit can act as a catalyst to increase the reporting of suspect abuse through its educational activities.

Mission Statement

The Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations is a multi-agency task force that exists to provide criminal investigation services in response to reports of sexual assault, other serious sexual offenses and serious child abuse and neglect. Such cases require special expertise in order to better protect victims and to enable successful prosecutions by the Office of the Chittenden County State's Attorney. Investigations will generally be limited to reports and referrals of such cases within the borders of Chittenden County. The operations of the Unit will promote cooperative efforts between municipalities, police agencies, prosecutorial, DCF, and Victim's Advocate groups. The Unit will perform its mission lawfully and with intelligence, dedication, fairness, compassion, competence providing special sensitivity to the needs of victims.

Why Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations?

  • A comfortable environment is provided to the victim in a mixed residential area far from any police station.
  • Previous inadequate resources and duplication of efforts by law enforcement agencies. A truly collaborative effort is provided, allowing for an intense focus on serious cases that need such specialization.
  • An emphasis is placed on initial services and support of the victim/survivor is provided while strengthening the criminal investigation.
  • Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations is comprised of well trained and highly skilled investigators who deal with all types of sexual assault and severe child abuse. Along with equally competent Department of Child & Family Services (DCF) social workers we provide efficient investigative services to the citizens of Chittenden County.

Reporting Suspected Abuse

Children are our future. Those of us who interact with youngsters in our professions have a significant and often formidable task in dealing with society's challenges. Some youngsters' problems are very complex, especially when involving an incident which is sexual in nature. The optimum first step is to seek the assistance of other professionals specially trained to assist you when a particular case is outside the realm of your position. When you have a concern do not hesitate to call Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations (CUSI) at 802-652-6800 or your local Department of Child and Family Services (DCF) office at 802-863-7370.

Should I Report?

Even if there is just a suspicion, your concern may need reporting. Personnel is available to consult with you and answer questions you might have. If there is an ongoing abuse situation, your input and information may be vital to the investigation.

Information to Remember

  • When a report is made to the police the victim's and/or family's options remain open; it is not a commitment to go to court. The court process is another process that includes the cooperation and input of the family with the prosecutor's office.
  • Sexual assault exams at a doctor's office or hospital are free of charge.
  • Reporting helps the authorities gain information on offenders and ultimately prevent a repeat offense from occurring. Statistics show that many people who commit sexual assaults are often repeat offenders.
  • A Victim Advocate is on staff at our office to assist victims and their families with counseling services, keeping families up-to-date on the status of a case, and providing support in time of despair.
  • Pursuant to a crime being committed, a Victim's Compensation Fund has been established to assist victims in paying for therapy treatments. Contact our Victim Advocate for more information.
  • In cases where a uniquely formidable challenge exists, a multi-disciplinary team meets on a monthly basis in Chittenden County to provide care diagnosis, comprehensive treatment plans, or coordination of services pursuant to the treatment plan.