NCJ Number
204493
Date Published
2004
Length
90 pages
Annotation
This guide is a reference tool for public safety officers in New Mexico highlighting aspects specific to sexual assault investigations, including sexual crime investigation protocol, State and Federal sexual assault statutes and resources.
Abstract
Responding to sexual assault calls involves numerous complex and specialized procedures. In sexual assault investigations, there are three major sources of evidence and information about the crime: the victim, the suspect, and the crime scene. All three sources must be investigated thoroughly. This guide for law enforcement officers in New Mexico is intended as a quick reference guide for a wide range of officers, specifically first responding officers, officers who have not recently investigated a sexual assault case and for experienced officers and to highlight aspects of sexual assault investigations. The guide highlights information which may be obtained from the victim, suspect, and crime scene. It includes the protocol for investigating sexual crimes, such as initial response to the victim and suspect, interviewing and interrogation, forensic evidence collection, search warrants, New Mexico and Federal statutes on sexual and domestic violence, and a comprehensive resource listing.