21 Questions
What is the primary purpose of the first contact in an assault investigation?
To establish the elements of the offense
Why should investigators consider the possibility of a more serious crime?
Because assaults can be part of a larger crime
What should be included in the complete investigation of an assault?
All elements of the offense, motive, intent, opportunity, and prior history
Why should an offense report be made, even if the victim does not wish to pursue prosecution?
To document the incident
What type of disturbances are assault crimes often part of?
Peace disturbances and domestic disturbances
What proportion of assailants are typically known to the victims in assault cases?
Two thirds
What is often a consequence of a victim changing their mind about prosecution in an assault case?
Discretion in arrest by law enforcement
What type of photos are used to document injuries in an assault investigation?
Both overall and close-up photos
What is a primary objective of a criminal investigation in an assault case?
Obtaining evidence of injuries involved
What is a common characteristic of assault cases?
Two thirds of assailants are known to the victims
Why might law enforcement use discretion in an assault case?
If the victim decides not to prosecute
What is a key aspect of investigating an assault case?
Determining the extent of the victim's injuries
What should be done if the victim is seriously injured?
Try to get a statement from the victim
What is a common type of call that an officer may experience?
Peace disturbance call
What should an officer do if injuries are not serious?
Pursue the suspect
What is an important aspect of evaluating a peace disturbance?
Making a judgment call to disperse the crowd
What type of evidence can be found at an assault scene?
All of the above
What should an officer do when approaching a fight in progress?
Use caution and issue specific directions
What is a key step in responding to an assault call?
Rendering treatment to the injured party
What should an officer do if a victim is unconscious?
Ride in the ambulance with the victim
What is a key aspect of investigating a suspected weapon?
Determining if the weapon was capable of inflicting an injury
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
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.
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