NCJ Number
113823
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 57 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1988) Pages: 1-10
Date Published
1988
Length
10 pages
Annotation
There is a common misperception, both inside and outside law enforcement that those who perpetrate sexual crimes are monsters and that those who investigate them are different or weird.
Abstract
In fact, sex crime investigators share a profile similar to other investigators. These attitudes make the investigator's job even more difficult. Because of such misperceptions, it is the investigator's responsibility to behave in a professional and ethical manner, to preserve confidentiality, to improve knowledge about the types of crimes and offenders investigated, and to use appropriate terminology. The investigation of such crimes is emotionally and psychologically demanding. It is, therefore, important that departments provide appropriate training, monitoring, support, and recognition. Investigators assigned to sexual crimes should be volunteers who are able to project empathy and understanding for both victims and offenders. They also must not have hidden agendas such as voyeurism, unresolved personal sexual problems, personal prior victimization, or a desire to enforce their own religious or moral values. Departmental and peer support are especially important because of the often stigmatized nature of the work, particularly in cases involving child sexual abuse. Because the work is stressful, investigators should be alert to early warning signs such as apathy, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, and diarrhea. Coping strategies for investigators include limiting exposure, a sense of humor, peer support, keeping physically fit, and maintaining a sense of satisfaction with the work. 8 footnotes.