First Responding Officer Duties in Sex Crimes Investigations

Contact with first responding officers proves critical to the victim’s recovery and the victim’s decision as to whether or not they will move forward in the criminal justice system. First, responding officers can also play a critical role in the success of a sex crimes investigation. Victims can feel helpless, vulnerable, and frightened by the trauma of the crime. Supporting the victim’s feelings can help officers build needed rapport and trust and gain information to assist the investigation.