Police Procedure


INITIAL RESPONSES

1. Patrol unit responds to call.

2. Investigator and CVPP Advocate notified and respond.

3. The officer sees to the victim's physical condition and asks preliminary questions. If necessary, the victim is taken to the hospital immediately for treatment and evidentiary exam. Victim advised to:

a. take change of clothing
b. necessity of physical exam, outline of procedures

4. Officer determines the nature of the crime, a description of the assailant, and any other pertinent information to begin the investigation.

5. Officer secures the area and begins examination of crime scene. This ensures that evidence is not destroyed or contaminated.

6. Witnesses are interviewed and preliminary statements are taken.

7. Either before or after the physical exam, the victim is interviewed privately:

a. officer explains necessity for asking specific personal questions
b. officer obtains detailed account of the crime

8. Evidence is collected by initial officer or detectives.


FOLLOW UP

1. After the physical exam, the investigators will:

a. collect evidence from physical examination
b. determine whether or not the victim can be interviewed at this time.

2. The investigator will first have the victim describe what happened in her own words. Later, she will be asked specific questions to complete the report.

3. CVPP Advocate will assist victim in contacting support person, give her reference and resources and establish