Podcast
Questions and Answers
What percentage of assailants in assault cases are known to the victims?
What percentage of assailants in assault cases are known to the victims?
What is a common reason why victims may not want to prosecute their assailants?
What is a common reason why victims may not want to prosecute their assailants?
What is the primary objective of a preliminary investigation in an assault case?
What is the primary objective of a preliminary investigation in an assault case?
What type of photographs can be used to document injuries in an assault case?
What type of photographs can be used to document injuries in an assault case?
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Why may officers use discretion when deciding whether to make an arrest in an assault case?
Why may officers use discretion when deciding whether to make an arrest in an assault case?
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What is the purpose of obtaining a detailed description of the injuries in an assault case?
What is the purpose of obtaining a detailed description of the injuries in an assault case?
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What is the significance of the doctor's examination and diagnosis in an assault case?
What is the significance of the doctor's examination and diagnosis in an assault case?
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What is the focus of an assault investigation?
What is the focus of an assault investigation?
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What is the primary concern when responding to an assault call?
What is the primary concern when responding to an assault call?
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What is the purpose of examining the suspect's gun in an assault investigation?
What is the purpose of examining the suspect's gun in an assault investigation?
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Why is it important to obtain the victim's statement quickly in an assault investigation?
Why is it important to obtain the victim's statement quickly in an assault investigation?
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What should an officer do if they arrive at a peace disturbance call and find a fight in progress?
What should an officer do if they arrive at a peace disturbance call and find a fight in progress?
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What type of physical evidence might be found at an assault scene?
What type of physical evidence might be found at an assault scene?
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Why is it important to evaluate the circumstances of a peace disturbance call?
Why is it important to evaluate the circumstances of a peace disturbance call?
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What should an officer do if they need assistance at a disturbance call?
What should an officer do if they need assistance at a disturbance call?
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What is the purpose of interviewing witnesses in an assault investigation?
What is the purpose of interviewing witnesses in an assault investigation?
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Why is it important to investigate all reported assaults, even if the victim does not desire prosecution?
Why is it important to investigate all reported assaults, even if the victim does not desire prosecution?
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What type of evidence might be found on the victim's clothing at an assault scene?
What type of evidence might be found on the victim's clothing at an assault scene?
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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.
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Description
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.
