Assignment Description In Your Own Words - Answer This Units
Assignment Descriptionin Your Own Words Answer This Units Discussion
Assignment Description In your own words, answer this unit's discussion questions in a main post (300 words), and respond to at least 2 peers’ postings on 2 different days (75 words each). After you have reviewed the Assignment Details below, click the Discussion Board link under the My Work heading above to open the Discussion Board and make your post. Assignment Details Many universities now have full-time police departments on their campuses for the purpose of protecting students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Larger universities and most state university systems have campus police departments that are set up like many metropolitan police agencies. You are an intern with a detectives unit on a major state university campus.
The surrounding area of the campus has turned into a pro-temp sort of university city, with bars and clubs in a village right outside of the university entrances. There are residence halls on the university campus itself. You are working with a detective in the University Police Department who has been designated as the "go to" investigator for situational sexual assaults (e.g., date rape). A young female sophomore has been found wandering around in the parking lot in front of her on-campus residence hall. The uniformed campus police have brought her to the station because she appears to have been assaulted (there is dirt on her clothing and legs, her clothing is torn, and she is displaying incoherent speech patterns).
Her friends from the residence hall told the uniformed police that they saw her earlier in the evening in the “Student Station”, a local bar three blocks from the main entrance of the university campus. Furthermore, she was in the company of a man who was described as a Caucasian male, about 25 years old, and with short blond hair. When they saw her, she appeared to have been drinking heavily. Focus your discussion on the following: What strategy do you propose for investigating what may have occurred? Identify in order of sequence everything that you would do up until the interview of this potential victim.
Explain why you would take the actions that you chose prior to the interview. Explain what your goals are for preparing the victim for your interview.
Paper For Above instruction
In investigating a potential sexual assault involving a young female university student found in a distressed state with signs of assault and intoxication, it is critical to follow a structured and methodical approach. The investigation should prioritize victim safety, evidence collection, and establishing a timeline of events. My strategy begins with securing the scene and ensuring the victim’s physical and emotional well-being. Next, I would conduct a comprehensive initial assessment and gather preliminary information from the victim and witnesses before proceeding to formal interviews.
First, upon arriving at the scene or station, I would ensure the victim receives medical attention to address her physical injuries and collect any forensic evidence, such as clothing for DNA analysis. This includes obtaining medical clearance and a detailed report of her injuries. Simultaneously, I would begin documenting the scene and the victim’s condition, including photographs of her clothing and any physical evidence observed. Ensuring proper chain of custody for evidence is essential for prosecutorial purposes.
Secondly, I would interview the victim’s friends and witnesses who saw her earlier in the evening, focusing on the details of her last known activities, her mental state, the presence of the alleged suspect, and any suspicious behaviors. Gathering this timeline helps establish the context and corroborate her account. At this stage, I would also review any surveillance footage from the bar, residence halls, or nearby areas to pinpoint her movements and identify potential suspects or witnesses.
Third, I would conduct a background check on the described suspect, a 25-year-old Caucasian male with blond hair, to gather information on his possible whereabouts and behavioral patterns. If possible, I would also request surveillance footage from the bar and nearby establishments to verify her account and locate the suspect. This step assists in establishing a suspect profile and potential motive.
Prior to interviewing the victim, I would focus on building rapport to ensure she feels safe and comfortable. This includes explaining the investigative process, emphasizing confidentiality, and reassuring her that her cooperation is vital. Preparing her mentally involves minimizing her stress and confirming her consent for the interview. The goal is to gather accurate, detailed information while minimizing her emotional distress and ensuring she feels supported throughout the process.
References
- Fisher, B. S., Cullen, F. T., & Vander Ven, T. (2003). The Sexual Victimization of College Women. NCJ 193207. U.S. Department of Justice.
- Klein, R. E. (2008). Forensic and Criminal Investigation in the 21st Century. Elsevier.
- Hollin, C. (2017). Criminal Investigation: An Analytical Approach. Routledge.
- Brewer, R. (2010). Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for Law Enforcement and Forensic Professionals. CRC Press.
- Turvey, B. E. (2011). Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis. Academic Press.
- Wright, R., & DeLisi, M. (2014). Crime and Forensic Science. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Siegel, L., & Worrall, J. (2017). Introduction to Criminal Justice. Cengage Learning.
- Reed, R. (2003). The Investigation of Sexual Assault Cases. CRC Press.
- Reppetto, T. (1993). Crime Prevention and the Criminal Justice System. Harvard University Press.
- Summit, R. (2012). Sexual Assault: Trauma, Treatment, and Law. Springer.