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