NCJ Number
189092
Date Published
2002
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This "Checklist" is designed to help law enforcement agencies and personnel assess their response to sexual assault cases.
Abstract
The scope of this Checklist is limited to cases that involve adult survivors of sexual assault; it does not address the special circumstances law enforcement agencies may face in cases that involve child victims of sexual abuse or sexual assault that occurs on college campuses. The Checklist is divided into sections that correspond with the roles and/or responsibilities of each law enforcement professional involved in the agency's response to sexual assault (i.e., dispatcher, initial responding officer, follow-up investigator, supervisor, and manager). Each section contains a list of specific steps and strategies officers should follow in helping to ensure a proper and effective response to sexual assault cases. For the dispatcher, steps are described under the following general responsibilities: obtain critical status and victim safety information; obtain relevant information from the caller; obtain related information; provide the victim with critical information; and obtain offender history and information on the likelihood of danger. The Checklist for the initial officer response contains the following responsibilities: respond to the call; approach the scene; enter the scene; assess and secure the scene; address the immediate needs of victims; conduct an initial interview with the victim; determine violation of Federal law; provide the victim with essential information; identify and interview witnesses; interview the suspect; collect evidence at the crime scene; collection of evidence off-site; arrest and charging; and write an incident report. Among the responsibilities of the follow-up investigator are to serve and enforce protection orders, obtain further information to support charges, address victim safety and support needs, deliver the case to the prosecution office, and data collection and communication. The management response includes setting the tone through the development of protocols, practices, training, and other mechanisms; and providing leadership in community initiatives to reduce violence against women. 11 footnotes