Police investigation procedures

The following are steps in a normal investigation.

(1) Victim lodges a police report

(2) Statement by the victim.
The statement will be taken by female officers from the Sexual Assault Unit. If the victim is a child, the mother or guardian is required to be with her. An investigation paper will only be open when there is proof of penetration.

(3) Visiting the scene of the crime.
It is important to examine the scene where the crime took. If the victim has not suffered serious injuries and is able to walk, she should be brought there to pinpoint the spot where the offence took place so that evidence of the crime can be collected and used in prosecuting the offender.

(4) Medical Examination
The victim will then be brought to the hospital in an ordinary car accompanied by plain clothed women police officers, this is to avoid the public scrutiny which will add more to her suffering. The victim will have to provide vaginal swab, scalp hair, pubic hair and nail scrapings for the doctor to match whatever evidence has been collected from the crime scene.

The victim should furnish all necessary evidence of injuries to the police and medical officers within 72 hours. After this time frame bruises may have healed, marks and other crucial evidence such as semen, stains and blood on the body may have been washed away.

(5) Identifying the suspect.
The victim’s next task is to identify the suspect. It has been suggested that a one way mirror be used in the identification process to avoid putting the victim through further pain and agony. Although the benefit of the doubt must always given to the accused, in rape cases where victim has been traumatized, it is fair that steps be taken to smoothen the legal process to minimize any unnecessary inconveniences to the victim.

(6) Arrest of the suspect.

In the event someone is picked out by the victim from the identification parade, the police will detain him for investigation. If there is sufficient evidence to charge the suspect the police will do so, otherwise he will be released.