NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT - New Albany, Ohio

14.4.1 Purpose
NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Directive 14.4 – Specific Crime Response/Procedures
The purpose of this directive is to provide basic procedures for Police Department personnel to
follow when arriving and investigating specific, serious crimes. Officers responding to a crime
scene must follow the guidelines and procedures outlined in this chapter. Officers are reminded
that many of these offenses require additional police personnel be contacted as described in
Directive 6.1.3. (Notification/Call-Out Procedures).
14.4.2 Sexual Assault/Rape
Investigation of sexual assaults and/or rapes is very difficult because the victim will have suffered
the most traumatic injury to his/her person which may result in the reluctance of the victim to
relate the incident to an investigator. It’s important for the investigator to develop a rapport and
trust with the victim. Initial responding officers shall:
A. Conduct a preliminary interview with the victim to determine:
1. If the identity of the assailant can be determined.
2. Determine what elements of a crime were present, such as:
Penetration
Force
Other elements that could be a lesser included offense.
B. Request that the victim go to the hospital for a physical examination.
1. The investigating officer will be at the hospital during the examination and followup.
2. The investigating officer will ensure the hospital has an evidence kit available for
collecting evidence.
C. Attempt to obtain clothes, bed sheets or other items that may contain evidence.
D. If the assault occurred outdoors, the investigator should collect:
1. Soil samples
2. Grass samples
E. Photograph the crime scene and all areas relevant to the investigation.
F. Provide the victim with a “Victim of Crimes” booklet and attempt to make an appointment
with a rape counselor and/or victim advocate.
G. Develop for later comparison a Method of Operation (M.O.) of the suspect(s), including:
1. Speech Patterns (i.e. - talks vulgar, accent)
2. Unusual sexual acts or request to perform such acts.
3. Physical violence.
4. Other specific characteristics.
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