The City of Lawton intends to create a sex crimes unit, City Manager John Ratliff told Southwest Ledger on Jan. 30.
The Lawton Police Department already investigates those crimes, “but we don’t have a dedicated unit with specialized training” in that field, he said. “Sex crime investigators need specialized training” in subjects such as forensics and child psychology.
“Nothing concrete has been done yet,” Ratliff said. However, in April, which will be observed as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, “We will unveil a special victims unit that will focus on child sexual abuse cases,” Ratliff said.
A ceremony to announce the details will be held outside the city’s new Public Safety Center, 100 SW Railroad St., if the weather cooperates. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held in the banquet hall at City Hall, Ninth Street and C Avenue.
Actress Mariska Hargitay, who plays Olivia Benson, the principal protagonist on NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” has been invited to attend the event, Ratliff said.