The Special Victims Unit is a highly specialized division within MCSO that immediately responds to, and investigates, crimes involving:

• Sexual assaults

• Child sexual offenses

• Child abuse or neglect incidents 

Incidents involving children are investigated through the utilization of the Maricopa County Multidisciplinary Protocol for the Investigation of Child Abuse.

We also assist victims of other kinds of crimes who require special handling, such as children, elderly, or disabled persons.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit partners with the Southwest Family Advocacy Center, which operates in the western part of Maricopa County.

The Southwest Advocacy Center applies a multidisciplinary approach providing victims with immediate assistance and services to include counseling, victim advocacy, and educational training.

The partnership between the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and the Southwest Family Advocacy Center serves victims with dedication, respect, and compassion.