If the assault happened off campus, a university police officer will help the victim contact the proper law enforcement agency if so desired. If the victim chooses to pursue criminal charges, a lawyer from the local District Attorney's office will provide representation without cost throughout the proceedings. University police officers investigate all crimes which occur on campus. If technical expertise or additional investigative help is needed, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation may be called to assist. If crimes happen off campus, the Jackson County Sheriffs Department is likely to be the primary investigative agency with WCU investigators providing support if requested.
Police officers understand that any questioning can be difficult for victims.
A victim may request the presence of a support person during police interviews. If a person chooses to pursue criminal prosecution and if it is possible for the assailant to be apprehended, the suspect will be taken before a magistrate and charged with the appropriate offense. Students have the right to file formal complaints of sexual assault with the office of student affairs. The adviser or advocate may not speak in any disciplinary proceeding except in private to the accused. The right to have his or her name or other personally identifiable information withheld from release to the public, the press, or others who are not directly involved in the case.