Evidence Preservation
Sexual Assault / Family Violence - Abuse

CRIME SCENE is the location where the incident occurred. The crime scene may be a residence, a vehicle, a public place, or any place where evidence can be preserved. Securing the crime scene is necessary for the collection of evidence and for the admissibility of evidence in court. It is important not to destroy evidence or disturb evidence. The patrol officer will secure the crime scene as soon as possible and will be responsible for the collection of the evidence.

SEXUAL ASSAULT KIT is the most important piece of evidence in the Sexual Assault Investigation. The Sexual Assault Exam should be performed as soon as possible to preserve the quality and quantity of the evidence. A doctor or a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) in a Sexual Assault Treatment Hospital will perform the exam. The complainant must be advised on how to protect the evidence that she may have on her. The complainant must be told not to douche, bathe, shower, wash, or throw away the clothing she was wearing at the time of the sexual assault.