Policy Text
Policy Delano Police Department
601 Delano PD Policy Manual
Sexual Assault Investigations
601.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the investigation of sexual assaults. These
guidelines will address some of the unique aspects of such cases and the effects that these crimes
have on the victims.
Mandatory notifications requirements are addressed in the Child Abuse and Adult Abuse policies.
601.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Sexual assault - Any crime or attempted crime of a sexual nature, to include but not limited to
offenses defined in Penal Code § 243.4, Penal Code § 261 et seq., and Penal Code § 285 et seq.
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) - A multidisciplinary team generally comprised of
advocates; law enforcement officers; forensic medical examiners, including sexual assault
forensic examiners (SAFEs) or sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) if possible; forensic
laboratory personnel; and prosecutors. The team is designed to coordinate a broad response to
sexual assault victims.
601.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Delano Police Department that its members, when responding to reports of
sexual assaults, will strive to minimize the trauma experienced by the victims, and will aggressively
investigate sexual assaults, pursue expeditious apprehension and conviction of perpetrators, and
protect the safety of the victims and the community.
601.3 QUALIFIED INVESTIGATORS
Qualified investigators should be available for assignment of sexual assault investigations. These
investigators should:
(a) Have specialized training in, and be familiar with, interview techniques and the medical
and legal issues that are specific to sexual assault investigations.
(b) Conduct follow-up interviews and investigation.
(c) Present appropriate cases of alleged sexual assault to the prosecutor for review.
(d) Coordinate with other enforcement agencies, social service agencies and medical
personnel as needed.
(e) Provide referrals to therapy services, victim advocates and support for the victim.
(f) Participate in or coordinate with SART.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/06, All Rights Reserved. Sexual Assault Investigations - 1
Published with permission by Delano Police Department