NCJ Number
69506
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS POLICE TRAINING FILM DISCUSSES PROCEDURES FOR POLICE OFFICERS INVESTIGATING CASES WHERE RAPE HAS BEEN REPORTED, AND INCLUDES SOME OPINIONS FROM OFFICERS AND RAPE VICTIMS.
Abstract
THE OFFICER MUST KEEP HIS FEELINGS IN CHECK, MUST FURNISH A STABLE FORCE, AVOID JOKING, NOT DISPLAY AN AVID CURIOSITY, AND MAKE SURE THE VICTIM IS ABLE TO BE INTERVIEWED. THE OFFICER'S QUESTIONS SHOULD INCLUDE THE LOCATION OF THE RAPE AND WHETHER THE VICTIM DESIRES SUPPORT OF SOME KIND. THE OFFICER SHOULD FIRST SECURE THE SAFETY OF THE VICTIM; IF HURT, SHE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL. NEXT, THE OFFICER MUST ESTABLISH THE ELEMENTS OF THE CRIME BY GETTING A DESCRIPTION OF WHAT HAPPENED, WHEN, AND WHERE, AND BY LOOKING FOR FINGERPRINTS. THE CRIME SHOULD BE BROADCAST SO THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS AWARE OF IT. EVEN IF THE VICTIM DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE HURT OR IN DANGER, THE OFFICER SHOULD STILL ARRANGE FOR A MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF THE VICTIM AT A HOSPITAL. FINALLY, THE OFFICER SHOULD SECURE EVIDENCE FOR PRESERVATION AND EXPLAIN TO THE VICTIM THAT SHE WILL BE SUBJECT TO A FOLLOWUP INVESTIGATION WHERE DETAILS WILL BE IMPORTANT. AN INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE IS INCLUDED.