1. Assault and Related Offenses
Chapter 11
Assault and Related Offenses

2. Chapter Objectives Explain the legal definition of assault.
Describe the problem of domestic violence.
Explain the methods of investigating stalking cases.
Describe the crime of sexual assault and rape.
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3. Chapter Objectives Identify evidence in rape cases.
Explain techniques of rape victim interviews.

4. Explain the legal definition of assault.
Learning Objective 11.1
Explain the legal definition of assault.

5. Assault Simple assault
Threats by one person to cause bodily harm or death to another
Purposely inflicting bodily harm on another
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6. Assault Aggravated assault High probability of death
Serious, permanent disfigurement
Loss or impairment of body members or organs
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7. Assault Types of weapons used Blunt objects or other nearby objects
Hands, feet, fists
Knives
Firearms

8. Describe the problem of domestic violence.
Learning Objective 11.2
Describe the problem of domestic violence.

9. 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
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10. Domestic Violence Domestic violence calls are complicated.
Some states mandate arrest based on probable cause.
Evidence must be collected.
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11. 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.

12. Explain the methods of investigating stalking cases.
Learning Objective 11.3
Explain the methods of investigating stalking cases.

13. 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

14. Describe the crime of sexual assault and rape.
Learning Objective 11.4
Describe the crime of sexual assault and rape.

15. 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
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16. Sexual Assault and Rape
Types
Forcible
Date rape
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17. 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

18. Identify evidence in rape cases.
Learning Objective 11.5
Identify evidence in rape cases.

19. 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
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20. 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.
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21. 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 for foreign fiber, debris, and blood.
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22. 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.
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23. 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.

24. Explain techniques of rape victim interviews.
Learning Objective 11.6
Explain techniques of rape victim interviews.

25. 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.
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26. 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
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27. 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.
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28. 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.

29. 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.
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30. 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.
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31. 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.