Crime Scene Investigation: Assault Investigation

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the first contact in an assault investigation?

To obtain witness statements

To establish the suspect's motive

To file an offense report

To establish the elements of the offense (correct)

Why should investigators consider the possibility of a more serious crime?

To intimidate the suspect

Because assaults can be part of a larger crime (correct)

To justify excessive force

To determine the severity of the attack

What should be included in the complete investigation of an assault?

All elements of the offense, motive, intent, opportunity, and prior history (correct)

Only the elements of the offense

Only the victim's statement

Statements from witnesses and suspects

Why should an offense report be made, even if the victim does not wish to pursue prosecution?

To document the incident Signup and view all the answers

What type of disturbances are assault crimes often part of?

Peace disturbances and domestic disturbances Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of assailants are typically known to the victims in assault cases?

Two thirds Signup and view all the answers

What is often a consequence of a victim changing their mind about prosecution in an assault case?

Discretion in arrest by law enforcement Signup and view all the answers

What type of photos are used to document injuries in an assault investigation?

Both overall and close-up photos Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary objective of a criminal investigation in an assault case?

Obtaining evidence of injuries involved Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of assault cases?

Two thirds of assailants are known to the victims Signup and view all the answers

Why might law enforcement use discretion in an assault case?

If the victim decides not to prosecute Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of investigating an assault case?

Determining the extent of the victim's injuries Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the victim is seriously injured?

Try to get a statement from the victim Signup and view all the answers

What is a common type of call that an officer may experience?

Peace disturbance call Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do if injuries are not serious?

Pursue the suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of evaluating a peace disturbance?

Making a judgment call to disperse the crowd Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence can be found at an assault scene?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do when approaching a fight in progress?

Use caution and issue specific directions Signup and view all the answers

What is a key step in responding to an assault call?

Rendering treatment to the injured party Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do if a victim is unconscious?

Ride in the ambulance with the victim Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of investigating a suspected weapon?

Determining if the weapon was capable of inflicting an injury Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Assault Investigation

The primary objectives of a criminal investigation include identifying focal areas, documenting injuries, and collecting evidence.
A procedure for conducting an assault investigation involves identifying the relationship between assaults and peace disturbances, and the main objectives and steps in a preliminary investigation.

General Facts Pertaining to Assaults

Assaults 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, relative, or acquaintance.
Victims often change their mind about prosecution, usually after a few days, and may "kiss and make up" with the suspect.

Focus of Assault Investigation

Obtaining evidence of injuries involved:
- Photographing injuries (overall and close-up photos)
- Obtaining statements from doctors and medical examination results
- Documenting injury details (location, shape, size, direction)
Recovering the weapon:
- Determining if the weapon could have caused the injuries
- Examining the weapon for trace evidence
- Photographing the weapon
Victim's statement:
- Obtaining a statement quickly if the victim is seriously injured
- Recording any statements or dying declarations
Witnesses' statements:
- Determining if witnesses know the victim or suspect
- Evaluating the validity and reliability of witnesses
- Assessing bias or impartiality

Conducting an Assault Investigation

Refer to the attached handout for procedures
Evaluating the circumstances of a peace disturbance:
- Family disturbances
- Loud parties
- Standby to keep the peace
- Dispersing a large party or ensuring one party leaves in a family disturbance

Physical Evidence Found at Assault Scenes

At the scene:
- Fingerprints (latent and patent in blood)
- Blood
- Cigarette butts
- Clothing fibers
- Weapons
- Spent bullets/empty casings
- Gunshot residue
- Shoeprints
- Victim's body
- Bindings
- Overturned furniture/broken items (signs of a struggle)
At the hospital:
- Bullets extracted during surgery
- Victim's clothing (bloody, torn, or with trace evidence)

Sample Policy & Procedure

Investigating all reported assaults, even if the victim does not desire prosecution
Responding to the call:
- Rendering treatment to the injured party
- Assisting the injured, even if it means the suspects escape
- Pursuing the suspect if injuries are not serious
- Using caution when moving through a crowd
- Calming the participants, obtaining facts, and deciding on a course of action
- Determining who started the fight, who was involved, extent of involvement, witnesses, and injuries

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Description

This quiz covers the primary objectives and procedures of a criminal investigation, including the main objectives and steps of a preliminary investigation in an assault case.