Chapter 11 Assault and Related Offenses Chapter Objectives

Chapter 11 Assault and Related Offenses

Chapter Objectives 1. Explain the legal definition of assault. 2. Describe the problem of domestic violence. 3. Explain the methods of investigating stalking cases. 4. Describe the crime of sexual assault and rape. continued on next slide

Chapter Objectives 5. Identify evidence in rape cases. 6. Explain techniques of rape victim interviews.

Learning Objective 11. 1 Explain the legal definition of assault.

Assault • Simple assault § Threats by one person to cause bodily harm or death to another § Purposely inflicting bodily harm on another continued on next slide

Assault • Aggravated assault § High probability of death § Serious, permanent disfigurement § Loss or impairment of body members or organs continued on next slide

Assault • Types of weapons used § § Blunt objects or other nearby objects Hands, feet, fists Knives Firearms

Learning Objective 11. 2 Describe the problem of domestic violence.

Domestic Violence • Domestic violence calls are often dangerous for police. § § Highly emotional atmosphere Raw violence displayed Family lives destroyed Victim's frequent hesitancy to prosecute or seek shelter continued on next slide

Domestic Violence • Domestic violence calls are complicated. § Some states mandate arrest based on probable cause. § Evidence must be collected. continued on next slide

Domestic Violence • Protection orders § Used in all 50 states and the District of Columbia § Often backed up by threat of jail § Temporary order can be issued immediately, and put in effect for year or longer.

Learning Objective 11. 3 Explain the methods of investigating stalking cases.

Stalking • Stalking § Generally refers to harassing or threatening behavior that a person engages in repeatedly § May or may not be a credible threat of serious harm § May or may not be the precursor to assault or murder

Learning Objective 11. 4 Describe the crime of sexual assault and rape.

Sexual Assault and Rape • An estimated 50% of all sexual assaults are unreported to police. § Nature of offense § Embarrassment or humiliation § Rather forget than go through police interviews and courtroom testimony continued on next slide

Sexual Assault and Rape • Types § Forcible § Date rape continued on next slide

Sexual Assault and Rape • Three elements to the crime of rape when the female is over the age of consent § Carnal knowledge (penetration) § Forcible submission § Lack of consent

Learning Objective 11. 5 Identify evidence in rape cases.

Evidence in Rape Cases • Evidence may present itself in three general areas. § On the crime scene § On the victim § On the suspect, or locations occupied by the suspect continued on next slide

Evidence in Rape Cases • First duty of an officer at the scene of a rape is to aid the victim and obtain immediate medical attention if required. • Briefly question the victim if they are able to speak. • Comfort and reassure the victim. • Secure the crime scene and search for evidence as soon as possible. continued on next slide

Evidence in Rape Cases • Rape evidence checklist § Photograph all physical injuries of the victim. § Note the clothing of the victim. § Examine hair of both victim and suspect foreign fiber, debris, and blood. continued on next slide

Evidence in Rape Cases • Rape evidence checklist § Obtain fingernail scrapings for clothing fibers, skin, blood, hair, and so on. § Obtain blood samples from the victim. § Obtain pubic hairs from both the victim and the suspect, including standards for comparison. § Obtain vaginal swabs from the victim. continued on next slide

Evidence in Rape Cases • Rape evidence checklist § Obtain anal and oral swabs from the victim. § Allow wet articles to air dry using fresh air, not heated air. § Ensure the victim has a cervical exam by a physician of her choosing. § Obtain a written report from the examining physician.

Learning Objective 11. 6 Explain techniques of rape victim interviews.

Victim Interviews • Many times is it useful to have female officers either individually or with male officers to conduct the interview of victims. • Goal of interview is to determine if and how the crime occurred. continued on next slide

Victim Interviews • Points to keep in mind when conducting the in-depth interview § Maintain professional attitude. § Physical location • Hospital or other medical facility where victim is being treated • Comfortable setting with privacy and freedom from distraction if outside of a hospital continued on next slide

Victim Interviews • Points to keep in mind when conducting the in-depth interview § Make clear sympathy for and interest in the victim. § Allow the victim a "ventilation" period. § Allow victim to describe what happened in own words. § Phrase questions in simple language to make sure the victim understands them. continued on next slide

Victim Interviews • Points to keep in mind when conducting the in-depth interview § Determine whether the victim has sought assistance for emotional problems. • Inform victim of services available for assistance.

Chapter Summary • Today, many states categorize threats and physical contact as simple assault and aggravated assault respectively. • What responding officers do upon arrival on the scene of a domestic violence call determines what happens in court. continued on next slide

Chapter Summary • Most states define stalking as a course of conduct that would place a reasonable person in fear for his or her safety. • There are three elements to the crime of rape when the female is over the age of consent. continued on next slide

Chapter Summary • Rape cases are somewhat unique in that evidence may present itself in three general areas. • Most rape investigations should include a preliminary and subsequent in-depth interview with the victim.