Sexual Assault Investigation

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FOX CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Effective Date
01-01-2008
Policy Number
Policy 6-1
Reevaluation Date
2011
No. of Pages
2
Subject
SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATIONS
Special Instructions:
Replaces current policy Section VI, Chapter III, dated 05-26-00

  1. PURPOSE

    The purpose of this policy is to establish responsibilities and procedures for the investigation of sexual assaults.

  2. POLICY

    It is the policy of the Fox City Police Department to respond and investigate all allegations of sexual assault or sexual contact.

  3. PROCEDURES

    Sometimes secondary victims make the assault seem more about them than about the victim, and they feel more “victimized” than the victim. Sexual assault counselors and advocates understand that sexual assault is a crime of violence and stems from issues of power and control. It is important to communicate this information to victims, their partners, and other family and friends.

  4. INVESTIGATING SEXUAL ASSAULT

    The following strategies and concerns apply to sexual assault investigations.

    1. Using a multi-disciplinary team approach

      1. Sexual assault cases are complex and sensitive, involving emotional, medical, and2 legal issues. Therefore, the best approach is to coordinate the efforts and expertise from a variety of sources – basically assembling a multi-disciplinary team consisting of:
        1. Victim
        2. Law enforcement officers/detectives
        3. Medical personnel
        4. Advocate for the victim
        5. Prosecutor
        6. Probation and parole agent


    3. Making initial contact with the victim

    4. Protecting the victim

    5. Processing the crime scene and evidence

    6. Anticipating the defense

  6. MAKING INITIAL CONTACT WITH THE VICTIM

    As the first responding officer, your initial contact with the victim will create a lasting impression with that person. Make every effort to handle the situation in a non-judgmental and professional manner.

    Immediately upon contact with the victim, make an assessment of the victim’s medical condition. If immediate medical treatment is needed, request an ambulance and accompany the victim to the medical facility (or provide the transport yourself if your protocol suggests such action). Continue to develop rapport with the victim and briefly interview him or her when possible to determine the following:

    1. Was a crime committed?

    2. Where? Determine the jurisdiction in which it occurred.

    3. Who did it? Is the suspect a stranger or an acquaintance?

    4. Weapons? Was there a weapon or threat of the use of a weapon?

    5. Was there other violence or threat of violence?

    6. Does the victim want the presence and assistance of a trauma response or rape crisis advocate?

    7. Are there cultural or language issues that may require additional resources?

    8. Did the event occur within the last 72 hours (for forensic exam purposes)?

    9. Provide information to other officers.

    10. Arrange for the protection of the crime scene. Arrange for additional resources to respond to the crime scene and protect it for processing. If applicable in your jurisdiction, request the assistance of a sensitive crime investigator and/or evidence technician.

    11. Make contact with a trauma response unit or Rape Crisis for advocacy if the victim is interested.

    12. The victim is the primary source of information for the investigation and the physical evidence should supplement and corroborate the victim’s statement. You (or the investigator/detective) will need to conduct a more thorough interview for all details of what transpired before, during, and after the event occurred.

  8. PROTECTING THE VICTIM

    1. The victim may not be in a safe place due to threats from the suspect, the physical environment, or the need for medical treatment. You are responsible to directly assist the victim or to locate resources that can provide the assistance.

      1. Considerations
        1. Physical safety issues
        2. Advocacy resources available
        3. Shelters/crisis intervention services
        4. Where the victim is going to stay
        5. Medical treatment (and evidence collection)

  10. PROCESSING THE CRIME SCENE/ REQUIRED FORMS

    1. Incident Complaint form and Officer Narrative form

    2. Victim/Witness form

    3. Suspect form

    4. Apprehension Request (if the suspect is known)

    5. Information for Victims of Crime in Wisconsin

    6. Medical Release form



  12. A sexual assault scene may have many items for evidence collection that are biological in nature: pubic hair, semen, blood and saliva. This evidence may be found in or on various items, such as clothing, fingernails, furniture, floor, bedding, grass, condoms, and other objects.

    Remember to photograph the victim if any injuries are observed.



This policy is for internal use only and does not enlarge an officer’s civil or criminal liability in any way. It should not be construed as the creation of a higher standard of safety or care in an evidentiary sense, with respect to third party claims. Violations of this policy, if proven, can only form the basis of a complaint by this department, and then only in a non-judicial administrative setting.