Policy Text
POLICY
145.0SEXUAL BATTERY INVESTIGATIONS
REVISED: 11/2011 RELATED POLICIES:
Reviewed by Chief David Magnusson
4/2019
A.POLICY
It is the policy of the El Portal Police Department to advise Miami Dade Police
Department in order to respond to the special needs of victims of sexual violence.
Furthermore, all members of the El Portal Police Department shall exercise sensitivity
when responding to these needs.
B.RESPONSIBILITIES
1.Patrol Officer Responsibilities
Upon initial response, patrol officers shall:
a.Arrive quickly and quietly; then
(1).Reassure the victim that she (or he) is safe.
(2).Because the victim is in crisis, be gentle, talk softly, and guard
against body language and facial expressions, which could upset
or alienate the victim.
b.Administer first aid if necessary. Unless the victim is in need of
IMMEDIATE first aid, DO NOT call E.M.S. In most cases the victim can
be transported later to Rape Treatment Center (R.T.C.) by a Miami Dade
Police Officer or private vehicle. The victim may be advised that
counseling services are available. The R.T.C. provides counseling
services. DO NOT BROADCAST OR RELEASE THE VICTIMS NAME.
c.Obtain a brief description of the suspect and advise Miami Dade Police
Department for immediate broadcast. Officers shall remember the victim
is in crisis. His or her memory for detail is not functioning properly. A
brief description will suffice; descriptions that are more complete will be
obtained later by Miami Dade Detectives. Any questioning of the victim
should be done by only one officer to minimize confusion and reassure the
victim.
d.Tell the victim not to change clothes. (Tell the victim the clothing will be
needed as evidence and for the victim to arrange for a change of clothing).
Page 1 of 2
e.Make necessary notifications – The Chief of Police or his/her designee will
be notified.
f.Upon verification that a Sexual Battery did occur, the officer will contact
Miami Dade Police Sexual Battery Unit.
g.Protect the crime scene until the Miami Dade Detective responds. MDPD
is responsible for collecting the physical evidence.
Page 2 of 2