PRETEXT conversations as an investigative tool

["Lynda Summers" <lsummers@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi there,

 I am interested in any research or information available on the utilization
of pretext conversations in the investigation of child abuse.  This is where
a complainant child, under the supervision of investigators and in
controlled conditions, makes a phone call to the suspect/perpetrator,
confronting them about the offences taking place.  The ensuing conversation
is recorded without the suspects' knowledge and utilized as evidence.
Anecdotal reports are that guilty pleas are increased and victims can be
empowered by the experience, which takes place under safe conditions.  Is
anyone aware of any research in this field, and where I might track it down?

Thanks,

Lynda Summers
Lecturer, Investigations
Charles Sturt University
Australia

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-CHILD-MALTREATMENT-RESEARCH-L@cornell.edu
[mailto:owner-CHILD-MALTREATMENT-RESEARCH-L@cornell.edu]On Behalf Of
Petrucci, Carrie
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2001 3:28 AM
To: Child Maltreatment Researchers
Subject: RE: CTS

Raelene,
I believe it's all available via Murray Strauss's webpage at University of
New Hampshire:

http://pubpages.unh.edu/~mas2/ <http://pubpages.unh.edu/~mas2/>

Regards,
Carrie Petrucci


-----Original Message-----
From: Rfreitagmw@aol.com [mailto:Rfreitagmw@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2001 4:52 PM
To: Child Maltreatment Researchers
Subject: CTS


Can someone please direct me to an avenue for accessing the Conflict Tactics

Scale? Thank you.


Raelene Freitag
Children's Research Center