SLCPD Law Enforcement Guide for Victims of Sexual Assault

To help survivors report their experiences and to help them access information and resources.

Rape and sexual assault are serious offenses. The Salt Lake City Police Department knows these types of crimes are often underreported for various reasons, including the fear of retaliation, revictimization, or concerns about how the case will be handled. The Salt Lake City Police Department has a specialized unit dedicated to investigating rapes and sexual assaults. The department’s Special Victims Unit works closely with SLCPD Victim Advocates to offer survivor-centered, trauma-informed care throughout the duration of a criminal investigation. Choosing to file a police report with law enforcement about a sexual assault is a deeply personal decision. To help survivors report their experiences and to help them access information and resources, The Salt Lake City Police Department is providing the following information.

Initial reports often start with a call to dispatch:

  • Emergency calls: 9-1-1
  • Non-emergency calls: 801-799-3000

An initial officer will typically respond to the victim’s location to address the following:

  • The health and safety of the victim
  • Preservation and collection of evidence
  • Create a brief report of the crime
  • Gather any information that may help identify the suspect

Medical and forensic examinations may be completed via medical providers:

  • SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) can collect a sexual assault kit
  • Victim Advocates can be present during a forensic examination
  • If a sexual assault kit is collected it will be given to an officer to book into police evidence
  • Survivors can restrict their kit or track the kit to remain informed about the status

SLCPD Crime Lab Technicians may respond to:

  • Collect evidence
  • Document a crime scene
  • Document injuries to the victim

The case will then move to a follow up Investigations phase:

  • A Sergeant with the Special Victims Unit will assign a Detective
  • Per trauma-informed best practices, the Detective will typically wait for a few days before reaching out to the victim
  • The Detective will conduct any appropriate follow-up interviews and investigative actions
  • The Detective will present cases to the prosecutor for review

Victim Services may be provided at any phase of the case and/or be available throughout the entire case:

  • Prior to reporting
  • At the time an initial report is filed
  • During a forensic or medical exam
  • At the time of a Detective’s follow-up interview
  • During the prosecutor review process
  • During any civil or criminal court processes
  • After the completion of any criminal justice system responses
Click here for Salt Lake City Police Department's Policy 602 on Sexual Assault Investigations.