(a) In each county, to the extent possible, the department and the local law enforcement agencies that investigate child abuse in the county shall colocate in the same offices investigators from the department and the law enforcement agencies to improve the efficiency of child abuse investigations. With approval of the local children’s advocacy center and its partner agencies, in each county in which a children’s advocacy center established under § 264.402 is located, the department shall attempt to locate investigators from the department and county and municipal law enforcement agencies at the center.
(b) A law enforcement agency is not required to comply with the colocation requirements of this section if the law enforcement agency does not have a full-time peace officer solely assigned to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect.

(c) If a county does not have a children’s advocacy center, the department shall work with the local community to encourage one as provided by § 264.402.