ASA Investigation Policy and Procedure Flashcards
** EXAM ** - What are the two priorities in achieving a successful outcome when investigating sexual assaults?
- undertaking the investigation as quickly as possible, and
* meeting the complainant’s physical and emotional needs
** EXAM ** - What to do to create a safe and secure environment for the victim?
CONDUCT your dealings in a sensitive manner.
ACCEPT they are telling the truth until/unless there is evidence to prove the contrary.
LISTEN to what they tell you, giving them an opportunity to tell their account in their words, even to just vent their feelings.
MEDICAL attention - establish whether required.
TREAT them courteously.
EXPLAIN the process you are following and why you need to follow that process and ask certain questions.
ADVISE them of the local counselling services available.
What are the key principles of ASA/CP investigations?
- victims wellbeing and safety is paramount
- Police will use specially training investigators
- victims referred to specialist support
- offenders to be held accountable
- comms with victim and partner agencies
- privacy of victims
- investigators to receive regular psych debrief
** EXAM ** - 12 key process points
1 - Initial action and contact 2 - Case referral 3 - Providing specialist support 4 - Pre lim interview 5 - Information feedback 6 - Medical examination 7 - Formal interview 8 - Investigation and evidence assessment 9 - Resolution options 10 - Prosecution 11 - Final actions and record keeping 12 - Preventative opportunities and responsibilities
In the debrief with the medical practitioner, list the topics that need to be covered.
- forensic items for ESR
- immediate needs for victim
- summary of exhibits and possible significance
- injuries that need to be photographed
- significant disclosures made by victim during exam
What set of information should be given to the victim regarding the Police investigation process and its timings?
- initial action (scene exam)
- medical/forensic exam
- formal interview process
- exhibits
- completion of investigation
- court process and bail applications
** EXAM ** - Outline who should conduct a medical examination of a suspect, what they should use and what you should ask them to do.
A police medical officer to conduct - (that hasnt examined the victim)
Should use MEK and/or tox kit if drug use suspected
Ask them to:
- take appropriate samples
- note any injuries
- give their opinion on mental condition
- record any comments or explanations made by suspect
** EXAM ** - When contacting the medical forensic practitioner, what information should you give them?
- age and gender of victim (may impact practitioner suitability)
- when sexual assault occurred
- brief outline of info known including any drugs involved, victim injuries, level of intox, other health concerns
- victims wishes about gender of examining practitioner
- discuss whether a the sexual assault complaint should be investigated using ASA or CP procedure
** EXAM ** - List things you should remind the victim to refrain from before a medical exam
- eating or drinking
- going to the toilet
- washing or showering
- washing hands or biting fingernails
- smoking
- change of clothes
- brushing hair
- brushing teeth or rinsing mouth
Victims of sexual assault - principles
- will be treated with dignity and respect
- well being and safety is paramount
- must be referred to specialist sexual assault support services and have them available throughout the investigation
- must be given regular updates on the progress of the investigation
What does ViCLAS stand for ?
Violent Crime Linkages Analysis System
** EXAM ** - Give 4 examples of things to take to a medical examination
- toxicology kit
- change of clothing for the victim
- medical examination kit
- relevant information notes
** EXAM ** - Before conducting a medical forensic examination, what should be explained to the victim?
- examination will be conducted by a medical forensic practitioner specially trained in examining people who have been sexually assaulted
- examination has potential health benefits and can help Police obtain evidence to apprehend the offender
- expected duration of examination and possible outcomes
- ask them about any concerns about gender of practitioner and will do the best to accommodate them
** EXAM ** - Outline time frames for adult sexual assault cases
Acute - report within 7 days of sexual assault
Non-acute - reported at 7 days or more but before 6 months
Historic - reported after 6 months
** EXAM ** - What is the primary and secondary objectives of a medical examination?
Primary: the victims physical, sexual and mental health and their safety
Secondary: the opportunity to collect and trace evidence
What is the 1st step after the preliminary interview?
Reassess the investigation so far and what further investigative procedures are necessary including:
- public safety and likelihood of similar/connected further offending
- need to secure and preserve fragile or diminishing evidence
- securing/containing scene
- ID and locate witnesses
- ID and apprehend offender
What does SAATS stand for?
Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Services
This service is a medical forensic service of all victims of sexual abuse in NZ regardless if they report it to police or not.
** EXAM ** - In the ASA investigation what is the purpose of the preliminary interview?
Gain a better understanding of what has happened and establish:
- brief outline of facts
- victim safety
- public safety
- urgent investigations needs considering: potential loss of evidence, medical circumstances and suspects likely actions
What types of questions should be asked during the preliminary interview of an ASA victim?
- TEDS
- What, when, where, who
NOT how or why
ASA child definition
A person aged under 18 years of age at the time of reporting a sexual assault.
ASA adult definition
A person aged 18 years or older at the time of reporting a sexual assault.
Sexual assault defined
- sexual violation by rape / unlawful sexual connection
- indecent assault
- unwanted or coercive touching or actions of a sexual nature or circumstances of indecency
- sexual abuse or exploitation
- incest
What brief details need to be obtained during initial action?
- victims details and whereabouts
- brief circumstances of alleged offence
- scene location
- offender description, whereabouts and mode of travel
Outline timings for medical forensic examinations
Acute or suspected drug facilitated SA - 1-7 days
- medical forensic practitioner MUST be contact ASAP. Should be conducted within 24h.
Non acute 7 days - 6 months - always refer to STAATS
Historic - 6 months + - refer to STAATS to determine whether medical exam beneficial
