Question

CASE STUDY:  Sexual Assault

• It is 10:35 p.m. You are a police officer who has just been dispatched to an office building complex to investigate an assault. The 911 caller has reported that she has been sexually assaulted in the parking lot at her office when she was leaving for home. The 911 dispatcher has instructed the victim to go back into the office, lock the doors, and wait for an officer to arrive.
• You arrived on scene. You can see the victim in the office lobby through the glass door and she makes eye contact. You knock on the door and she lets you in.
• You have made sure the victim is safe and she doesn't require first aid. After a brief interview with the victim regarding what happened, you have sent out a ATL/BOLO (white male wearing dark clothing, approx. early 20’s with dark hair) for the suspect and requested additional units to secure the crime scene in the parking lot. You have also notified the hospital regarding a sexual assault examination required within the next hour.
• During the interview, the victim reported that the suspect had a knife and he “raped” her. She reported that the act took place between two cars that were parked up against a retaining wall that blocked any type of escape. She reported that he forced her up against one of the vehicles and then down to the ground. She said that he bit her left breast, had vaginal intercourse with her, and ejaculated in her vagina. She also reported that she tried to fight him off and scratched his face and arms. You note that her dress is torn and the victim states that he tore it during the struggle. She got dressed after he left, wiped herself with a paper towel, and put all of her original clothing back on. She reported that a male standing at a window in an office above the parking lot watched as she walked back into the building.
• She hasn't had consensual sex in the past 5 days.
• Patrol officers stop a male two blocks from the complex. He was wearing black denim jeans and a dark maroon t-shirt with a black long sleeve undershirt. He was sweating and his explanation of "jogging" does not match that he resides in nearby community. He has what appears to be fresh scratches about his neck and face.

Answer 1

The case study shows that it is the sexual assault at the first degree. The following steps should be taken by the investigation officer:

• The officer must record the case history in detail. In the case history date, place, time etc must be mentioned clearly.
• The investigation officer must arrange the lady for medical test as soon as possible.
• Then the officer should go to the place of rape and must try to find out the evidences necessary for the investigation.
• Then he will take necessary investigation.
• An accused is arrested. The investigation officer must take the lady to recognize the person.
• In the medical report it would be also proved whether the arrested person is related to the assault.
• The officer must try to find out witness whether the suspected person appeared in the parking area at thet time.
• Besides there are incongruous statements given by the suspected person.
• Then the officer must forward the case to the court with necessary documents.
• The victim should be referred to the psychologist for counseling.