NCJ Number
79176
Journal
Police Review Volume: 89 Issue: 4616 Dated: (July 24, 1981) Pages: 1436-1438,1463
Date Published
1981
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In the third of three articles dealing with the role of physicians who advise the police, a British police surgeon discusses his role in cases involving sex offenses and presents numerous illustrative anecdotes.
Abstract
Sex offense cases fall into two basic categories: those against adults and those against children and young persons below the age of consent, which is 16 in England. Although girls under age 16 have often willingly taken part in sexual relations, they can usually be persuaded to cooperate with the police and the police surgeon. To establish rape, evidence must exist that intercourse took place without the woman's consent. Police surgeons should conduct thorough examinations, which should include clothing and behavior according to the circumstances of the alleged crime. Police surgeons should assess the victim's mental status and inspect the whole body for injuries, while considering whether they could be self-inflicted. The sexual development of young girls should also be noted. A thorough internal examination which includes collection of a specimen and manual examination should be conducted. Suspected assailants who have been arrested should be examined for vaginal cells, discharge, or blood, and blood and saliva samples should be taken for grouping and for testing alcohol content. Doctors should prepare a complete report which includes both findings and history, although the case history must never be mentioned during court testimony. However, the report can provide useful guidance to the police in their inquiries. Doctors should remain cool and friendly during cross-examination. The defense in sex offense cases usually concerns evidence regarding the victim's unwillingness. Doctors should never overstep their competence and should give full reasons for their conclusions. For discussions of the police surgeon's role in cases involving alcohol and drugs and in cases involving violent crimes and and deaths, see NCJ 79174-75.