ASA - Policy & Procedures Flashcards
Victims Rights Act 2002
Victim defined
(i) a person against whom an offence is committed against
(ii) a person who by means of an offence being committed against another person suffers physical injury, or loss of, or damage to, property
(iii) a parent or legal guardian of a child or young person who falls within paragraph (i) or (ii)
(iv) a member of the immediate family of a person who as result of an offence being committed by another person, dies or is incapable
Regarding (iii) and (iv) unless that parent/guardian is charged with the commission, or convicted or found guilty of, or pleads guilty to, the offence concerned
Interacting with victims of sexual offences
(1) Conduct dealings in sensitive manner
(2) Accept they are telling the truth (until/unless there is evidence to prove the contrary)
(3) Listen to what they tell you
(4) Establish whether they need medical attention
(5) Treat them courteously
(6) Explain the process
(7) Advise them of local counselling services available
12 key process points of an investigation
(1) Initial action - brief details of complaint
(2) Case referral - CIB / ASA investigator
(3) Providing specialist support - with consent, arrange specialised support
(4) Prelim interview - CIB / ASA member conducts
(5) Information feedback - investigation findings/progress
(6) Medical exam - ASAP, especially in acute cases or suspect drug facilitated assaults
(7) Formal interview - by Level 3 interviewer
(8) Investigation & evidence assessment - investigation plan, re-assess throughout investigation
(9) Resolution process - Consider options
(10) Prosecution - follow procedures and keep victim updated
(11) Final actions & record keeping - ensure detailed records and statistics are held
(12) Preventative opportunities - what can be learnt from the investigation
