Patrol unit responds to call. Investigator and CVPP Advocate notified and respond. The officer sees to the victim's physical condition and asks preliminary questions. If necessary, the victim is taken to the hospital immediately for treatment and evidentiary exam. Officer determines the nature of the crime, a description of the assailant, and any other pertinent information to begin the investigation.
Officer secures the area and begins examination of crime scene.
This ensures that evidence is not destroyed or contaminated. Witnesses are interviewed and preliminary statements are taken. Evidence is collected by initial officer or detectives. The investigator will first have the victim describe what happened in her own words. Later, she will be asked specific questions to complete the report.