18 Questions
What percentage of assailants in assault cases are known to the victims?
Two thirds
What is a common reason why victims may not want to prosecute their assailants?
Kisses and makes up with the suspect
What is the primary objective of a preliminary investigation in an assault case?
To identify the focal areas of the investigation
What type of photographs can be used to document injuries in an assault case?
Both overall and close-up photos of the injuries
Why may officers use discretion when deciding whether to make an arrest in an assault case?
Unless mandated by law (adult abuse law)
What is the purpose of obtaining a detailed description of the injuries in an assault case?
To corroborate or refute the victim's claim of assault
What is the significance of the doctor's examination and diagnosis in an assault case?
To establish the fact that the assault occurred
What is the focus of an assault investigation?
Obtaining evidence of injuries involved
What is the primary concern when responding to an assault call?
Rendering treatment to the injured party
What is the purpose of examining the suspect's gun in an assault investigation?
To determine if it was used in the crime
Why is it important to obtain the victim's statement quickly in an assault investigation?
To document the victim's account of the incident
What should an officer do if they arrive at a peace disturbance call and find a fight in progress?
Direct loud commands to break up the fight
What type of physical evidence might be found at an assault scene?
All of the above
Why is it important to evaluate the circumstances of a peace disturbance call?
To prevent an assault from occurring
What should an officer do if they need assistance at a disturbance call?
Request assistance from citizens
What is the purpose of interviewing witnesses in an assault investigation?
To determine the validity of the witness's statement
Why is it important to investigate all reported assaults, even if the victim does not desire prosecution?
To protect the victim and prevent future violence
What type of evidence might be found on the victim's clothing at an assault scene?
Blood and torn fabric
Study Notes
Introduction to Assault Investigation
- The primary objective of a criminal investigation is to identify the focal areas of an assault investigation.
- A brief overview of the procedure for conducting an assault investigation is presented.
General Facts Pertaining to Assaults
- An assault can range from a punch or shove to a shooting or stabbing.
- Two-thirds of assailants are known to the victims, often being a spouse or other relative, or an acquaintance.
- Victims often change their minds about prosecution after a few days.
Focus of Assault Investigation
- Obtaining evidence of injuries involved, including photographs and statements from doctors.
- Recovering the weapon, including examining it for trace evidence and determining its functionality.
- Victim's statement, including obtaining it quickly if the victim is seriously injured.
- Witnesses' statements, including determining their validity and reliability.
Conducting an Assault Investigation
- Refer to the attached handout for procedures.
- Peace disturbance type calls are common and can lead to assaults if not handled properly.
- Officers must evaluate the circumstances of a peace disturbance to prevent an assault from occurring.
Physical Evidence Found at Assault Scenes
- At the scene: fingerprints, blood, cigarette butts, clothing fibers, weapons, spent bullets, gunshot residue, shoeprints, victim's body, and bindings.
- At the hospital: bullets extracted during surgery, victim's clothing with signs of struggle, and trace evidence.
Sample Policy & Procedure
- The policy is to investigate all reported assaults, even if the victim does not desire prosecution.
- Responding to the call involves rendering treatment to the injured party, pursuing the suspect, and using caution when moving through a crowd.
Investigative Techniques
- First contact: interview victim to establish elements of offense and search crime scene for evidence.
- Second contact: probe for assault motive and question suspect to establish motive, intent, opportunity, and prior history.
- Report the offense, even if the victim does not wish prosecution at that time.
This quiz covers the primary objectives and procedures of conducting a criminal investigation, including the main objectives and steps of a preliminary investigation. It is specifically focused on assault investigations.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
