NCJ Number
81025
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 30 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1982) Pages: 40-44
Date Published
1981
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses evidence collection in cases of rape, which represent a unique situation in that the crime scene is the human body of a victim who requires medical attention and sensitivity to her state of mind.
Abstract
While police officers cannot conduct the actual examination, for which medical personnel are required, they must be sufficiently knowledgeable to advise and possibly guide the nurse or doctor on evidence collection requirements. A record of all bruises and injuries must be made, preferably with photographic documentation. A checklist for evidence to be collected from the rape victim at the hospital includes vaginal and oral swabs; vaginal, oral, and rectal slides; pubic hair combings and standards; head hair combings and standards; clothing collection; saliva test; fingernail scrapings; and a whole blood sample. Detailed explanations are given on the manner in which this evidential material is to be removed from the victim, on the role such evidence may play in proving the case, and on the preservation and packaging steps required. Allegheny County's sex squad in Pennsylvania has its own custom-made rape kit with specially labeled envelopes and instructions for the medical personnel. Upon completion of the examination, the entire kit is sealed, labeled, and transported to the crime lab. It is essential that rape investigators know what evidence is to be collected, how it is to be collected, and why it is to be collected. Illustrations are given.