NCJ Number
95088
Date Published
1982
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The successful sex crime investigator is a caring professional who calls upon both stress management and investigative skills to help the victim survive the psychological crisis of rape while fulfilling the police functions of investigation and apprehension.
Abstract
To prosecute rape cases successfully it is necessary to prove the absence of victim consent, the fact of vaginal or anal penetration of the victim, the use of forcible compulsion, and identification of the perpetrator. In dealing with the rape victim and her family, the officer should avoid verbal or physical intimidation; be nonjudgmental, reassuring, and supportive; enlist the aid of the family in the investigation; and demystify police and court procedure. In addition to obtaining necessary information and advising the victim on preservation of possible evidence, the dispatcher should make every effort to put the victim at ease and assure her that help is on the way. At the scene, the responding officer must provide medical assistance as needed, notify other personnel and units, protect the anonymity of the victim, and make observations and safeguard the crime scene. At the hospital, the officer should ensure that the victim receives appropriate medical attention, that medical evidence requirements are fulfilled and documented, and that physical evidence is gathered and preserved. Duties of the detective/investigator include taking the victim's statement in a sympathetic manner which allows her to converse freely, obtaining a detailed description of the perpetrator, and processing the crime scene for evidence. If a suspect is not apprehended immediately, a followup investigation should be conducted. Photographs are supplied.