Lesson 9.1 - Sexual Offences

Question 1

When speaking to a victim, what details should be obtained?

Answer 1

• Taking a first account
• Need for medical assistance
• Identify location and description of the suspect (if known)
• Time of offence in order to prioritise action
• Location of crime scene(s)
• Exact nature of offence(s) to identify forensic opportunities for using Early Evidence Kits and to enable the SOLO to inform the Forensic Physician
• Activities since the offence took place which may affect forensic opportunities, e.g. washing, drinking
• Identify and contact details of any other person(s) informed of the offence by the victim
• Identify and contact details of any witness(es) to the offence or to events immediately prior to or after the offence
• Demeanour of victim
• Condition of clothing (seize, irrespective of damage or if washed)

Question 2

What time period should an Early Evidence Kit be used within?

Answer 2

7 days or less unless stated otherwise by supervisor

Question 3

What Sexual Offences are SOLO’s deployed to?

Answer 3

• Section 1, Rape
• Section 2, Sexual Assault by Penetration
• Attempts to commit Section 1 or 2 offences
• Section 46, Sexual Abuse of Trust of a Mentally Disordered Person
• Incest
• Rape, Common Law pre-December 2010
• Lewd, Indecent and Libidinous Practices, Common Law pre-December 2010
• Section 3, Sexual Assault (Where the SIO Considers the Nature of the Assault is Such That the Appointment of a SOLO is Necessary)
• Section 1 of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015
• Abduction with intent to commit stated offences
• Any other sexually motivated offence where the SIO considers the appointment of a SOLO necessary

Question 4

What actions should be considered in the early stages of investigating a sexual offence?

Answer 4

• Circulation of description(s) of offender(s) and/or vehicle(s) to colleagues and other sources; (for example, public transport, CCTV etc.)
• Transportation of eye witnesses to identify the exact locus; (on SIO advice)
• Road checks
• Recording details of nearby vehicles
• Use of police dog

Question 5

What types of evidence may be obtained from the locus of a sexual offence?

Answer 5

• Fingerprints
• Footprints
• Hair
• Fibres of clothing
• Blood/semen stains
• Discarded items left at scene
• Any evidence of a struggle