NCJ Number
35319
Date Published
1975
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS POLICE TRAINING FILM, PART ONE OF A TWO-PART PRESENTATION, EXPLORES THE COURTROOM PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN PROOF OF RAPE AND HOW THESE PROBLEMS RELATE TO THE INITIAL POLICE INTERVIEW WITH THE VICTIM.
Abstract
EMPHASIZED IS THE APPROPRIATE ROLE OF POLICE OFFICERS, PARTICULARLY THE FIRST OFFICER TO ARRIVE AT THE SCENE, IN RAPE INVESTIGATION, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF A COMPLETE AND PROMPT INTERVIEW OF THE VICTIM FOR DETAILS OF THE ACT, A THOROUGH SEARCH OF THE CRIME SCENE FOR EVIDENCE AND EVIDENCE COLLECTION. ALSO DISCUSSED IS THE PART THE POLICEMAN'S INITIAL INVESTIGATION AND POLICE REPORT PLAY IN ESTABLISHING CORROBORATIVE EVIDENCE. IN ADDITION, FUNDAMENTAL RULES AND REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF RAPE ARE COVERED. IN THIS FILM, AN OFFICER'S FAILURE TO CONDUCT A COMPLETE INITIAL INTERVIEW OR TO CARRY OUT AN IMMEDIATE CRIME SCENE SEARCH AND COLLECT CORROBORATIVE EVIDENCE LEADS TO A HUNG JURY, AND THE DEFENDANT IS ALLOWED OUT ON BAIL. A TRAINING MANUAL ACCOMPANIES THE FILM. (FOR PART TWO, 'PROVIDING THE PROOF', SEE NCJ-35294).