Criminal Tech

Santana_CRJU_4169_MM_Chapter11.ppt

CRJU 4169: Felony Crimes Against Persons

Introduction

Felony crimes are more serious offenses, so take special care to process these crimes in a professional manner.
There are numerous types of crimes against people defined by appropriate state statutes.
The names, definitions, and statutes vary by state.
Assaults are very common events, and the principles involved in completing these types of reports are applicable in most other “crimes against persons” incidents.
Each state has its own specific definition of what elements constitute the crime of assault.
An intentional act, using force or threat of force, to injure or harm another individual
The offense classification is determined by the severity of the incident.
As a law enforcement professional, it is your responsibility to ensure that you document the severity of the injury in your case report correctly and in accordance with the state statute of where the crime occurred.

The Right Way to Write

Your case report will probably be more scrutinized when these types of cases are submitted for review.
Practice and feedback will be your best tools to accomplishing these types of reports.

Tips for Felony Crimes Against Persons

Felony crimes are serious events.
Take the time to do things right.
These type of cases can be prosecuted in both criminal and civil court.
Your supervisor will be closely reviewing these types of case reports.
Research your state statute book to determine the specific elements of the crime.
Document what actions of this incident constituted a violation of the state statute.
Take the time to document the severity of the offense.
Be sure to describe any injury in detail.
Take photos of injuries.
Photograph at the time of the incident.
Contact victim after a few days for follow-up photos.
Obtain doctor's/emergency service reports (if applicable).
ALWAYS have the victim contact you if their injuries, due to the incident, require additional treatment or hospitalization in the future.
This may result in the need to increase the severity of charges.
Probably more than any other type of incident, these cases will be closely scrutinized by prosecutors, defense lawyers, judges, and your supervisors.