NCJ Number
108005
Date Published
1986
Length
29 pages
Annotation
These guidelines are an update to the 1976 Advanced Sexual Assault Investigation Manual by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) in accordance with Penal Code Section 13516, which mandates that POST must maintain guidelines for standard procedures used by law enforcement agencies in investigating sexual assault cases.
Abstract
General sexual assault investigative procedures and interview and interrogation techniques are reviewed in a step-by-step format which allows the reader to follow the sexual assault investigative process. Proper procedures for interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects are reviewed. Conducting investigations in a sensitive and professional manner and protecting the rights of the victim and the accused are emphasized. Recommendations include (1) adoption of a resource provider role by law enforcement personnel, whether or not the suspect is apprehended, and (2) providing sexual assault victims with medical and psychiatric counseling information and information on State and local victim assistance programs. Flowchart on sexual assault investigative procedures, 4 appendixes, and list of 7 consulted sources.