Lubbock County Commissioners have unanimously approved a new law enforcement task force to address the rising number of crimes against children in the area. The task force, known as the Lubbock Crimes Against Children Unit (LCACU), will investigate cases throughout Lubbock County.
Addressing a Growing Problem
According to the Lubbock Police Department, crimes against children have increased by 25 percent over the past five years. In 2021, there were 324 reported cases of child victims under the age of 10, which rose to 405 cases in 2025. The new task force aims to replicate the success of the Metropolitan Unit and the Texas Anti-Gang Unit (TAG) in addressing this issue.
The LCACU will be a joint task force between the city and county, with the county providing space, computers, and furnishings, and the city providing five officers. The task force will work closely with other agencies, including the Children’s Protective Services, Child Advocacy Center of the South Plains, and Voice of Hope, to ensure that child victims receive the necessary medical care, counseling, and support.
Sergeant Robert Braden, primary supervisor of the new unit, emphasized the importance of empathy and understanding in interviewing potential suspects in child abuse cases. The task force will also have its own polygrapher and an FBI task force officer who can retrieve smartphone data without needing to send it to a special lab.
Collaboration and Support
The new task force has received support from local officials, including County Judge Curtis Parrish, who stated that the city and county are taking the issue of crimes against children very seriously. The task force will start with a strong foundation, building on existing relationships with local hospitals, investigators, and advocacy groups.
The goal of the LCACU is to provide a comprehensive and coordinated response to crimes against children, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and that child victims receive the support and care they need.
Original reporting: Lubbock Lights — read the source article.
