noo1999 asked this question on 3/18/2000:
I would like to know what are the different steps in investigating a sex crime. What are the procedures that are different from investigating any other crime.
cruzmsl gave this response on 3/18/2000:
Well there are different sex crimes you i'll give you a few with the difference. The main thing involved with crimes (sexcrimes incuded) is there is a degree where each crime can be constituted. Therefore if there is or isn't penetration has a factor, exposure of genitalia is a factor, the intention is a factor, and of course the degree of sexual assault is a factor. In Texas sexual assault can range from a grouping of the genetalia to the full blown rape. As for the investigation of the crime, we'll use a full blown rape for an example. First you have to determine whether a crime actually happened as to a bogus call to have her boyfriend or friend arrested because shes mad. If it is a female that was raped (yes men have been raped) then it is logical and usual a female investigator handle the case primarily. The crime scene will be contained and the victin will if possible try and give details of the crime(there are times when the victim will voluntarily give information and there are times when the victim will not, mainly from being psychologically affected) The crime scene will be photographed and pertainent evidence will be collected such as used beer cans, cigarette butts, stained underware,sheets clothing. Any evidence that can be linked to identifying the suspect will be collected. Witnesses and possible suspects will be interviewed and possibly taken down to headquarters for further interviewing or interrorgation. If the victim will offer information as soon as possible, then it is better for the investigators, becausein time the description and events will be foggy and probably inaccurate. The victimis taken to a hospital (believe it or not the victim can and has refused at times) where she will be evaluated in seperate room and followup questioning will take place if needed. Sex crimes are usually fairly easy to solve, with so much technology involved, all you really need is a strand of hair or semen and the owner of that hair or semen. The only difference in investigating a sex crime and any other crime is the psychological effect it has on the victim, therefore you must handle the situation with compassion and understanding. If you fail to gain the victims trust then the victim will feel violated again and refuse to assist you with the investigation. There are many psycological effects for any crime, but for sexual assault it appears to be on its own, because the victim was violated in a way to where he or she was totally and personally defenseless. Hope I answered your question. Thanks Ed.
noo1999 asked this follow-up question on 3/18/2000:
First of all I would like to thank you answering my question so quickly. Second of all in dealing with sex crimes or any crime for that matter what are the different types or classifications of evidence. Is there any way I can e-mail you directly?
cruzmsl gave this response on 3/18/2000:
yes you can email me at cruzmsl@swbell.net The main source of usable evidence is Physical Evidence. Evidence with Individual Identifying characteristics are usually but not limited to: *the item being unique *It can come from ONE source: person, place or thing *Sufficient identifying characteritics are required. Examples: fingerprints,DNA testing of blood, blood stains,sperm, sperm stains,saliva strains, hair roots, urine, human tissue and bone; spent bullets,tool marks,pieces of glass,metal,plastic or wood when broken edges can be matched,etc. Evidence with Class characteristics ONLY: *The evidence can only be placed in a class *It came from more than one source. *It can be of great value as circumstantial evidence. examples: blood and hair without DNa test: soil, fibers,paint, glass fragments too small to match the broken edges; bullets,tool marks, shoe/tire prints with insuffient identifying characteristics. Hope it helped. Ed
The average rating for this answer is 5.
noo1999 rated this answer a 5.
Iwould really like to thank Ed for answering my question so quickly.