Sudbury police unit focused on cases involving child abuse, sexual assault

Sudbury police launch a pilot with five specialized officers dedicated to child abuse & sexual assault cases, providing trauma-informed, victim-centred care.

A 12-month pilot project at Greater Sudbury Police Service has an entire team of officers dedicated to investigating crimes against children.

Since January, five officers and a detective sergeant have been handling cases of child abuse and sexual assault in the city.

“We have dedicated detectives who are well-trained in trauma-informed interviews, child forensic interviews and victim care,” said Det. Sgt Lee Rinaldi.

The child abuse and sexual assault (CASA) unit runs at least until the end of 2026, when police will decide whether to extend the project or make it permanent.

Members of the unit work with community partners to ensure victims get support and continuing care, while officers investigate the case.

“To have those resources investigate these cases in a trauma-informed lens and, certainly, a victim-centred lens,” Rinaldi said.

“We’re not only offering our police services but incorporating our community partners, so we’re delivering a holistic wrap-around approach.”

In its first two months, the unit has already investigated 49 cases.

Working with social services partners

“Many of our child abuse cases come by way of our child protection agencies,” Rinaldi said.

“Some of those investigations are very quickly worked through by the detectives, in partnership with the child protection agency where there’s a finding of the case didn’t go by way of criminal proceedings.”

Along with child protection agencies, cases also come in through traditional reporting and the police service’s online portal.

Rinaldi said police have already seen improved effectiveness, while vulnerable victims get the support they need.

“Cases that would normally go to our major crime floor that have been diverted to CASA, we’ve been successful in handling those cases,” he said.

“It’s a mark of success for us personally as a CASA unit that we’re able to handle the ... volume of calls and to provide that dedicated service to our victims.”