Sexual assault investigations Flashcards

1
Q

What should be done with known evidence upon the arrival of the Forensic Services Unit employee(s)?

A

Identified

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2
Q

When should a supervisor be notified of the situation at the scene?

A

Immediately

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3
Q

In cases of suspected facilitation of sexual assault with drugs/alcohol, what should officers assess for?

A

Evidence

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4
Q

Who is responsible for collecting urine and/or blood samples in such cases?

A

The SANE

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5
Q

Is consent required from the victim to collect samples for investigation?

A

Yes

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6
Q

Should a victim’s voluntary use of alcohol be a determining factor in investigating sexual assault?

A

No

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7
Q

Is it acceptable to discredit or discourage victims based on illegal substance abuse?

A

No

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8
Q

What is the department’s priority in investigating sexual assault?

A

Thorough investigation

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9
Q

Should victims have the right to receive a medical examination?

A

Yes

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10
Q

Regardless of cooperation with law enforcement, can victims receive medical treatment and evidence collection?

A

Yes

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11
Q

Should submission to medical examination be a condition for continuing the investigation?

A

No

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12
Q

Which hospital in Lexington provides SANEs with medical privileges to perform on-site SAFE Exams?

A

Saint Joseph Hospital

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13
Q

Is there a cost to the victim for the SAFE Exam according to KRS 216B.400?

A

No

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14
Q

What is the purpose of the Sexual Assault Investigations policy?

A

To provide guidelines for responding to sexual assault reports and assisting victims.

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15
Q

According to the policy, how should employees approach sexual assault cases?

A

With a professional, victim-centered approach, investigating and prosecuting to restore dignity.

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16
Q

Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, what rights do victims with language barriers have?

A

The right to a competent interpreter at no cost.

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17
Q

Define ‘Adolescent’ as mentioned in the policy.

A

A child who has reached the onset of physiologically normal puberty.

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18
Q

What is the definition of ‘Consent’ according to the policy?

A

Words or actions showing legally competent agreement to engage sexually.

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19
Q

What is the purpose of a SANE-AA Course as per the policy?

A

To prepare nurses for forensic evaluation of sexual assault victims.

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20
Q

Define ‘Sexual Assault’ based on the policy.

A

All felony crimes of sexual violence, including rape and sodomy.

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21
Q

What is the Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (SAECK) used for?

A

For collecting and storing potential DNA evidence in sexual assault cases.

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22
Q

Who typically collects SAECK kits according to the policy?

A

SANEs (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) or other qualified healthcare providers.

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23
Q

What is a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE Exam) as defined in the policy?

A

An exam on a sex crime victim addressing medical needs and collecting forensic samples.

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24
Q

Who can perform SAFE Exams as stated in the policy?

A

Doctors, SANEs, or other qualified healthcare professionals.

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25
Q

Who is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) according to the policy?

A

A registered nurse trained to conduct forensic examinations of sexual offense victims.

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26
Q

What is the role of a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) according to the policy?

A

To provide a multidisciplinary response to victims of sexual assault.

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27
Q

Who is typically part of a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) as per the policy?

A

Law enforcement personnel, SANE nurse, and sexual assault victim advocate.

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28
Q

What are the benefits of a SART response as mentioned in the policy?

A

Improving evidence collection, increasing reports, prosecution rates, and reducing victim traumatization.

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29
Q

What is the role of a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE)?

A

The SANE performs the medical forensic examination, documents injury, collects evidence, and testifies.

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30
Q

What is the primary mission of the SANE program?

A

To provide compassionate and comprehensive sexual assault forensic examinations for eligible victims.

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31
Q

When can a SAFE exam be conducted for adolescent victims according to the notes?

A

For adolescent victims who have reached puberty or any victim 14 years or older within 96 hours of the assault.

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32
Q

Do victims under 14 years old who have not reached puberty receive SAFE exams?

A

No, officers must contact their supervisor and the on-call SANE nurse to discuss how to proceed.

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33
Q

Who coordinates the department’s SANE program according to the notes?

A

A full-time employee who is a registered nurse and a credentialed sexual assault nurse examiner.

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34
Q

Where are SANE nurses awarded clinical privileges to perform SAFEs?

A

At Saint Joseph Hospital.

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35
Q

What is done with the evidence collected during a SAFE exam?

A

It is preserved in a Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (SAECK).

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36
Q

Are investigating officers allowed to be present during any part of a SAFE exam?

A

No, investigating officers or non-authorized employees should not be present during the exam.

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37
Q

What happens once the SANE nurse completes and seals the SAECK?

A

The SAECK is properly sealed, labeled, and kept for evidence collection procedures.

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38
Q

Who should the SANE (or other qualified health care provider) transfer the SAECK to if an officer is not present?

A

Designated hospital personnel

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39
Q

When a completed SAECK is ready to be picked up in the ER, who should the SANE or hospital representative notify?

A

E911

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40
Q

What should E911 do once notified that a completed SAECK is ready to be picked up in the ER?

A

Dispatch an officer or FSU employee

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41
Q

Who is responsible for completing the electronic case report if the victim determines they want to make a report?

A

The initial responding officer or another officer/detective

42
Q

Why is delayed reporting common in sexual assault cases?

A

Due to the trauma and fear experienced by victims

43
Q

How should officers approach a victim while maintaining objectivity?

A

Respectful and non-judgmental manner

44
Q

When should the initial victim interview be conducted with the SANE present?

A

To limit trauma unless extenuating circumstances dictate otherwise

45
Q

What is the officer’s responsibility regarding a follow-up contact with the victim?

A

A mandatory contact within 7 days of opening the case

46
Q

What should be provided to victims who have been threatened or express fear of further victimization?

A

Appropriate assistance and support

47
Q

Who is responsible for the follow-up investigation in sexual assault cases?

A

The investigating officer or detective

48
Q

What transportation options are available to assist a sexual assault victim to the hospital?

A

The victim can be taken to the hospital or have arrangements made by another person of their choosing.

49
Q

In what seat does the victim ride if an officer provides transportation to the hospital?

A

The victim rides in the front seat.

50
Q

Who can the victim bring as a support person to the hospital?

A

The victim can bring a support person of their choice with them.

51
Q

What should the officer do if feasible, to assist the victim with transportation arrangements?

A

The officer should assist the victim in making transportation arrangements.

52
Q

How long does an officer stay at the hospital with the victim?

A

The officer will remain at the hospital for as long as needed.

53
Q

What responsibilities fall under the Initial Supervisor’s role?

A

Responsibilities include responding to assist officers, assessing provided information, and more.

54
Q

When responding to a hospital, what should officers be mindful of regarding the victim?

A

Officers should recognize the victim’s trauma and prioritize preserving evidence.

55
Q

Who is responsible for generating a department case number?

A

The booking officer or FSU employee.

56
Q

What form needs to be completed along with the SAECK?

A

Property and Evidence Record (Form #263).

57
Q

How should SAECKs be stored if obtained without an accompanying electronic case report?

A

In compliance with retention requirements at the Property and Evidence Unit.

58
Q

How should SAECKs be booked?

A

Separately, not with any additional packaging or other items of evidence.

59
Q

What should be done with the medical paperwork in the SAECK?

A

Placed inside the SAECK box.

60
Q

What procedures apply for SAECKs related to a sexual assault outside the jurisdiction?

A

Same procedures as outlined, with exceptions or additional procedures.

61
Q

Who should be immediately notified for SAECKs related to a sexual assault outside the jurisdiction?

A

Property and Evidence Unit supervisor or BOA Administrative Section lieutenant.

62
Q

What is the responsibility of the notified SVS lieutenant for out-of-jurisdiction SAECKs?

A

Promptly notify the agency with jurisdiction and transfer related evidence within 10 days.

63
Q

Who is responsible for transporting SAECKs and related evidence to the Kentucky State Police forensic laboratory?

A

The Property and Evidence Unit.

64
Q

What is the timeline for transporting SAECKs and related evidence to the forensic laboratory?

A

No later than thirty (30) days after receipt.

65
Q

Who should have access to forensic medical examinations for sexual abuse victims?

A

All victims of sexual abuse.

66
Q

Who should perform forensic medical examinations for sexual abuse victims where possible?

A

Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFEs) or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs).

67
Q

If SAFEs or SANEs are not available, who can perform the forensic examination for sexual abuse victims?

A

Other qualified medical practitioners.

68
Q

What efforts should the agency document if SAFEs or SANEs are not available for the examination?

A

Its efforts to provide SAFEs or SANEs.

69
Q

If a detainee is transported for a forensic examination to an outside hospital offering victim advocacy services, what services can the detainee use?

A

Victim advocacy services to the extent available.

70
Q

Which employees should receive periodic training as mentioned in the course notes?

A

All employees, including victim advocates.

71
Q

What should the training provided to employees regarding sexual assault victims specifically address?

A

The provisions of the policy, the dynamics of the crime, and legal or scientific developments.

72
Q

What actions should the victim refrain from before speaking with a detective or SANE?

A

Refraint from eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking, washing, or using the restroom.

73
Q

Where can the operation of body-worn cameras in a hospital be referenced?

A

Refer to GO series 2015-15 Body-Worn Cameras for operation in a hospital.

74
Q

What information should be obtained by briefly interviewing the victim?

A

Preliminary investigative details like occurrence timeline, location, and required actions.

75
Q

When should a supervisor be promptly updated?

A

Promptly update a supervisor as necessary during the investigative process.

76
Q

What should be completed after the interview with the victim?

A

Complete an electronic case report and other necessary documentation.

77
Q

What should officers do if the victim is at Saint Joseph Hospital?

A

Contact a supervisor to notify a SANE, detective, or other assistance.

78
Q

What’s the recommended action if the victim is not at Saint Joseph Hospital?

A

Explain SANE program, encourage going to Saint Joseph Hospital for the SAFE Exam.

79
Q

What should be done if the victim declines to go to Saint Joseph Hospital?

A

Seek consent for SAFE Exam by other health providers and notify a detective.

80
Q

What must an officer do if sexual assault occurred in another jurisdiction?

A

Ensure the victim’s reporting, assistance, SAFE Exam, and SAECK options are respected.

81
Q

What are the officer’s responsibilities if the victim does not consent to law enforcement involvement after a SAECK?

A

Offer victim assistance and respect the victim’s decision on reporting.

82
Q

Who should initial responding officers request if needed when addressing a sexual assault incident?

A

EC Unit

83
Q

What action should officers take if the victim is being taken to the hospital by an EC Unit?

A

Explain that SANE has clinical privileges at Saint Joseph Hospital and it is the preferred treatment and examination hospital.

84
Q

What should officers ask about and document regarding the victim’s condition?

A

Signs and symptoms of injury, including strangulation.

85
Q

When should officers briefly interview the victim according to the notes?

A

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.

86
Q

What is the primary responsibility of officers at the crime scene?

A

Secure and limit access to the crime scene, protect evidence to prevent loss, change, or contamination.

87
Q

What actions are victims encouraged to refrain from until speaking with a detective or SANE?

A

Eat, drink, chew gum, smoke, shower, brush teeth, wash up, change clothes, use the restroom.

88
Q

How should officers handle encountering a suspect at the scene?

A

Prevent destroying or disposing of evidence. If no suspect present, consult with a detective or supervisor before locating or interviewing.

89
Q

What is a valuable investigative tool mentioned in the notes regarding known suspects?

A

Pretext phone calls can be initiated with the suspect prior to formal law enforcement contact.

90
Q

When can a detective expedite the submission of a SAECK to the KSP forensic laboratory?

A

With appropriate documented supervisory approval and while maintaining a proper chain of custody.

91
Q

What should be done if a suspect standard is not available at the time of SAECK transmission?

A

It should be transmitted to the Kentucky State Police forensic laboratory as quickly as practical once collected.

92
Q

What is the retention protocol for Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits (SAECKs)?

A

They should not be disposed of or destroyed without approval and stored per approved procedures after forensic testing.

93
Q

How should a detective handle victim notification regarding DNA evidence testing progress?

A

Notify the victim of testing progress, match results, and consult a victim advocate before disclosure.

94
Q

What considerations should be taken under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)?

A

Following a uniform evidence protocol for obtaining physical evidence, offering training on detecting and responding to sexual abuse.

95
Q

What should be done if a suspect consents to DNA evidence collection?

A

Document the suspect’s consent in the electronic case report.

96
Q

What action should be taken if a suspect refuses consent to DNA evidence collection?

A

Document the suspect’s refusal in the electronic case report, apply for a search warrant if probable cause exists.

97
Q

Why is DNA evidence collection crucial in sexual assault cases?

A

It can increase prosecution likelihood, prevent future assaults, and aid in connecting perpetrators to other crimes.

98
Q

What are the responsibilities of a victim advocate?

A

Provide victim assistance, explain victim rights, address harassment concerns, and offer support during investigations.

99
Q

Who will transport and book completed Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits (SAECKs)?

A

An officer or FSU employee, ensuring proper chain of custody and timely transfer to the appropriate location.

100
Q

What role does DNA evidence play in sexual assault investigations as per Kentucky procedures?

A

DNA evidence from SAECKs is vital for prosecution, may prevent future assaults, and aids in connecting perpetrators.