Sexual assault investigations Flashcards
What should be done with known evidence upon the arrival of the Forensic Services Unit employee(s)?
Identified
When should a supervisor be notified of the situation at the scene?
Immediately
In cases of suspected facilitation of sexual assault with drugs/alcohol, what should officers assess for?
Evidence
Who is responsible for collecting urine and/or blood samples in such cases?
The SANE
Is consent required from the victim to collect samples for investigation?
Yes
Should a victim’s voluntary use of alcohol be a determining factor in investigating sexual assault?
No
Is it acceptable to discredit or discourage victims based on illegal substance abuse?
No
What is the department’s priority in investigating sexual assault?
Thorough investigation
Should victims have the right to receive a medical examination?
Yes
Regardless of cooperation with law enforcement, can victims receive medical treatment and evidence collection?
Yes
Should submission to medical examination be a condition for continuing the investigation?
No
Which hospital in Lexington provides SANEs with medical privileges to perform on-site SAFE Exams?
Saint Joseph Hospital
Is there a cost to the victim for the SAFE Exam according to KRS 216B.400?
No
What is the purpose of the Sexual Assault Investigations policy?
To provide guidelines for responding to sexual assault reports and assisting victims.
According to the policy, how should employees approach sexual assault cases?
With a professional, victim-centered approach, investigating and prosecuting to restore dignity.
Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, what rights do victims with language barriers have?
The right to a competent interpreter at no cost.
Define ‘Adolescent’ as mentioned in the policy.
A child who has reached the onset of physiologically normal puberty.
What is the definition of ‘Consent’ according to the policy?
Words or actions showing legally competent agreement to engage sexually.
What is the purpose of a SANE-AA Course as per the policy?
To prepare nurses for forensic evaluation of sexual assault victims.
Define ‘Sexual Assault’ based on the policy.
All felony crimes of sexual violence, including rape and sodomy.
What is the Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (SAECK) used for?
For collecting and storing potential DNA evidence in sexual assault cases.
Who typically collects SAECK kits according to the policy?
SANEs (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) or other qualified healthcare providers.
What is a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE Exam) as defined in the policy?
An exam on a sex crime victim addressing medical needs and collecting forensic samples.
Who can perform SAFE Exams as stated in the policy?
Doctors, SANEs, or other qualified healthcare professionals.
Who is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) according to the policy?
A registered nurse trained to conduct forensic examinations of sexual offense victims.
What is the role of a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) according to the policy?
To provide a multidisciplinary response to victims of sexual assault.
Who is typically part of a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) as per the policy?
Law enforcement personnel, SANE nurse, and sexual assault victim advocate.
What are the benefits of a SART response as mentioned in the policy?
Improving evidence collection, increasing reports, prosecution rates, and reducing victim traumatization.
What is the role of a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE)?
The SANE performs the medical forensic examination, documents injury, collects evidence, and testifies.
What is the primary mission of the SANE program?
To provide compassionate and comprehensive sexual assault forensic examinations for eligible victims.
When can a SAFE exam be conducted for adolescent victims according to the notes?
For adolescent victims who have reached puberty or any victim 14 years or older within 96 hours of the assault.
Do victims under 14 years old who have not reached puberty receive SAFE exams?
No, officers must contact their supervisor and the on-call SANE nurse to discuss how to proceed.
Who coordinates the department’s SANE program according to the notes?
A full-time employee who is a registered nurse and a credentialed sexual assault nurse examiner.
Where are SANE nurses awarded clinical privileges to perform SAFEs?
At Saint Joseph Hospital.
What is done with the evidence collected during a SAFE exam?
It is preserved in a Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (SAECK).
Are investigating officers allowed to be present during any part of a SAFE exam?
No, investigating officers or non-authorized employees should not be present during the exam.
What happens once the SANE nurse completes and seals the SAECK?
The SAECK is properly sealed, labeled, and kept for evidence collection procedures.
Who should the SANE (or other qualified health care provider) transfer the SAECK to if an officer is not present?
Designated hospital personnel
When a completed SAECK is ready to be picked up in the ER, who should the SANE or hospital representative notify?
E911
What should E911 do once notified that a completed SAECK is ready to be picked up in the ER?
Dispatch an officer or FSU employee
Who is responsible for completing the electronic case report if the victim determines they want to make a report?
The initial responding officer or another officer/detective
Why is delayed reporting common in sexual assault cases?
Due to the trauma and fear experienced by victims
How should officers approach a victim while maintaining objectivity?
Respectful and non-judgmental manner
When should the initial victim interview be conducted with the SANE present?
To limit trauma unless extenuating circumstances dictate otherwise
What is the officer’s responsibility regarding a follow-up contact with the victim?
A mandatory contact within 7 days of opening the case
What should be provided to victims who have been threatened or express fear of further victimization?
Appropriate assistance and support
Who is responsible for the follow-up investigation in sexual assault cases?
The investigating officer or detective
What transportation options are available to assist a sexual assault victim to the hospital?
The victim can be taken to the hospital or have arrangements made by another person of their choosing.
In what seat does the victim ride if an officer provides transportation to the hospital?
The victim rides in the front seat.
Who can the victim bring as a support person to the hospital?
The victim can bring a support person of their choice with them.
What should the officer do if feasible, to assist the victim with transportation arrangements?
The officer should assist the victim in making transportation arrangements.
How long does an officer stay at the hospital with the victim?
The officer will remain at the hospital for as long as needed.
What responsibilities fall under the Initial Supervisor’s role?
Responsibilities include responding to assist officers, assessing provided information, and more.
When responding to a hospital, what should officers be mindful of regarding the victim?
Officers should recognize the victim’s trauma and prioritize preserving evidence.
Who is responsible for generating a department case number?
The booking officer or FSU employee.
What form needs to be completed along with the SAECK?
Property and Evidence Record (Form #263).
How should SAECKs be stored if obtained without an accompanying electronic case report?
In compliance with retention requirements at the Property and Evidence Unit.
How should SAECKs be booked?
Separately, not with any additional packaging or other items of evidence.
What should be done with the medical paperwork in the SAECK?
Placed inside the SAECK box.
What procedures apply for SAECKs related to a sexual assault outside the jurisdiction?
Same procedures as outlined, with exceptions or additional procedures.
Who should be immediately notified for SAECKs related to a sexual assault outside the jurisdiction?
Property and Evidence Unit supervisor or BOA Administrative Section lieutenant.
What is the responsibility of the notified SVS lieutenant for out-of-jurisdiction SAECKs?
Promptly notify the agency with jurisdiction and transfer related evidence within 10 days.
Who is responsible for transporting SAECKs and related evidence to the Kentucky State Police forensic laboratory?
The Property and Evidence Unit.
What is the timeline for transporting SAECKs and related evidence to the forensic laboratory?
No later than thirty (30) days after receipt.
Who should have access to forensic medical examinations for sexual abuse victims?
All victims of sexual abuse.
Who should perform forensic medical examinations for sexual abuse victims where possible?
Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFEs) or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs).
If SAFEs or SANEs are not available, who can perform the forensic examination for sexual abuse victims?
Other qualified medical practitioners.
What efforts should the agency document if SAFEs or SANEs are not available for the examination?
Its efforts to provide SAFEs or SANEs.
If a detainee is transported for a forensic examination to an outside hospital offering victim advocacy services, what services can the detainee use?
Victim advocacy services to the extent available.
Which employees should receive periodic training as mentioned in the course notes?
All employees, including victim advocates.
What should the training provided to employees regarding sexual assault victims specifically address?
The provisions of the policy, the dynamics of the crime, and legal or scientific developments.
What actions should the victim refrain from before speaking with a detective or SANE?
Refraint from eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking, washing, or using the restroom.
Where can the operation of body-worn cameras in a hospital be referenced?
Refer to GO series 2015-15 Body-Worn Cameras for operation in a hospital.
What information should be obtained by briefly interviewing the victim?
Preliminary investigative details like occurrence timeline, location, and required actions.
When should a supervisor be promptly updated?
Promptly update a supervisor as necessary during the investigative process.
What should be completed after the interview with the victim?
Complete an electronic case report and other necessary documentation.
What should officers do if the victim is at Saint Joseph Hospital?
Contact a supervisor to notify a SANE, detective, or other assistance.
What’s the recommended action if the victim is not at Saint Joseph Hospital?
Explain SANE program, encourage going to Saint Joseph Hospital for the SAFE Exam.
What should be done if the victim declines to go to Saint Joseph Hospital?
Seek consent for SAFE Exam by other health providers and notify a detective.
What must an officer do if sexual assault occurred in another jurisdiction?
Ensure the victim’s reporting, assistance, SAFE Exam, and SAECK options are respected.
What are the officer’s responsibilities if the victim does not consent to law enforcement involvement after a SAECK?
Offer victim assistance and respect the victim’s decision on reporting.
Who should initial responding officers request if needed when addressing a sexual assault incident?
EC Unit
What action should officers take if the victim is being taken to the hospital by an EC Unit?
Explain that SANE has clinical privileges at Saint Joseph Hospital and it is the preferred treatment and examination hospital.
What should officers ask about and document regarding the victim’s condition?
Signs and symptoms of injury, including strangulation.
When should officers briefly interview the victim according to the notes?
To determine if a crime has been committed, when it occurred, the location of the crime scene, possible physical evidence, and the suspect’s identity or description.
What is the primary responsibility of officers at the crime scene?
Secure and limit access to the crime scene, protect evidence to prevent loss, change, or contamination.
What actions are victims encouraged to refrain from until speaking with a detective or SANE?
Eat, drink, chew gum, smoke, shower, brush teeth, wash up, change clothes, use the restroom.
How should officers handle encountering a suspect at the scene?
Prevent destroying or disposing of evidence. If no suspect present, consult with a detective or supervisor before locating or interviewing.
What is a valuable investigative tool mentioned in the notes regarding known suspects?
Pretext phone calls can be initiated with the suspect prior to formal law enforcement contact.
When can a detective expedite the submission of a SAECK to the KSP forensic laboratory?
With appropriate documented supervisory approval and while maintaining a proper chain of custody.
What should be done if a suspect standard is not available at the time of SAECK transmission?
It should be transmitted to the Kentucky State Police forensic laboratory as quickly as practical once collected.
What is the retention protocol for Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits (SAECKs)?
They should not be disposed of or destroyed without approval and stored per approved procedures after forensic testing.
How should a detective handle victim notification regarding DNA evidence testing progress?
Notify the victim of testing progress, match results, and consult a victim advocate before disclosure.
What considerations should be taken under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)?
Following a uniform evidence protocol for obtaining physical evidence, offering training on detecting and responding to sexual abuse.
What should be done if a suspect consents to DNA evidence collection?
Document the suspect’s consent in the electronic case report.
What action should be taken if a suspect refuses consent to DNA evidence collection?
Document the suspect’s refusal in the electronic case report, apply for a search warrant if probable cause exists.
Why is DNA evidence collection crucial in sexual assault cases?
It can increase prosecution likelihood, prevent future assaults, and aid in connecting perpetrators to other crimes.
What are the responsibilities of a victim advocate?
Provide victim assistance, explain victim rights, address harassment concerns, and offer support during investigations.
Who will transport and book completed Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits (SAECKs)?
An officer or FSU employee, ensuring proper chain of custody and timely transfer to the appropriate location.
What role does DNA evidence play in sexual assault investigations as per Kentucky procedures?
DNA evidence from SAECKs is vital for prosecution, may prevent future assaults, and aids in connecting perpetrators.
