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

The Salt Lake City Police Department has a free 24/7 hotline for survivors of crime. Victim advocates are available to help provide support, guidance, resources, and advocacy. To speak with a victim advocate, call 801-580-7969. Callers can call from a blocked number, can provide an alias name, or opt to provide no personal information when calling this number.
Survivors of sexual violence can also access help by contacting the Rape Recovery Center at 801-467-5551 or Utah’s 24 hour sexual violence help line at 1-888-421-1100.

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How to access law enforcement

  • Non-emergency dispatch for Salt Lake City Police:  801-799-3000
  • SLCPD Victim Advocates 24-hour hotline:  801-580-7969

Information on medical resources:

  • Emergency medical care after a sexual assault can be accessed through local hospitals
  • Forensic SANEs (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) can respond to perform a sexual assault exam and collect evidence via a sexual assault kit
  • Follow up medical care can be accessed through the Salt Lake Valley Health Department or your medical provider
  • Funds for medical treatment may be available through the Utah Office for Victims of Crime (UOVC).  You can speak to a Victim Advocate at 801-580-7969 or call UOVC at 801-238-2360 for more information.

Information on mental health services:

  • Funds for counseling may be available through the Utah Office for Victims of Crime (UOVC).  You can speak to a Victim Advocate at 801-580-7969 or call UOVC at 801-238-2360 for more information.
  • Community Crisis Intervention & Support Services & MCOT (Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams) 801-587-3000
  • Utah’s 24-hour sexual violence help line:  801-736-4356
  • Dial 988 for crisis help and support
Victims and witnesses of crime have fundamental rights in the criminal justice process to ensure that all victims are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity. Victims also have the right to privacy. Utah legislation and the state Constitution protects and honors victims’ rights. You can locate these rights in the Utah Constitution, Article 28 and in the Utah Criminal Code at 77-37, 77-38 and 77-38a. There are specific victims’ rights for survivors of sexual violence. For more information about these rights, please contact SLCPD’s Victim Advocates at 801-580-7969.

For additional information about any of these items, please contact a Victim Advocate 24 hours a day at 801-580-7969.  Callers can call from a blocked number, use an alias name, and/or opt to provide no personal information when calling this number.

Click here for Salt Lake City Police Department's Policy 602 on Sexual Assault Investigations.