Amherst College Police

Sexual Assault

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD

What you can expect when you report a sensitive crime to Amherst College Campus Police:

• You have the right to be heard. Anything you say will be listened to carefully and repsonded to with sensitivity.
  
  
• You have the right to speak with a Peer Advocate, and and to have that Peer Advocate with you for support during any or all of the investigative process.
  
  
• You do not need to worry about affording the services provided by the Campus Police Department or the Peer Advocate Program, because they are provided to you at no expense.
  
  
• Do you understand the role that Campus Police can play in assisting the victims of sensitive crimes at Amherst College?
  
  
• If not, here's a basic overview to help you decide whether the decision to report is the right one for you...

Our Philosophy

The decision to report a crime of a sensitive nature can be a very difficult one. It is no secret that the procedures involved in a police investigation can seem invasive and emotionally trying but our philosophy at the Amherst College Police Department is one that works toward making the process as painless as possible. We do this by providing information to you and allowing you to make the decisions. It is important to us that you are comfortable with any and all steps that are taken in our investigation, and we work hard to give back to survivors the security and control that they may feel they have lost.

What is a Sensitive Crime?

When we speak of "sensitive crimes" we are talking about crimes that require a little more sensitivity to be handled appropriately. Often these fall into the categories of sexual assault, rape,domestic violence, or other incidents where there is a strong emotional element involved in the case.

Who Can I Talk to At Campus Police?

On our campus, any Officer who investigates this type of crime has been carefully trained to do so. The Officer has been screeened for qualities such as sensitivity, the ability to listen carefully, a knowledge of the criminal justice system and court process as well as the campus disciplinary system and other important campus resources. The Officer must have the ability to communicate comfortably and effectively about issues which are often emotional and difficult. We are committed to providing as many options as possible to the survivors of these crimes and we will do so in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.

What will Campus Police Do?

If you choose to contact Campus Police and report a sensitive crime, you can expect to be listened to throughly and carefully and treated with respect at all times.

• During the Incident
  You can expect that if we are called while the incident is in progress our first goal will be to secure the safety of the individual or individuals involved. We will assist you in obtaining medical attention if necessary which may involve a sexual assault examination to check for STD's and injury, as well as to collect evidence of the crime which has occurred. If you choose to have this type of exam, we ask that (if possible) you avoid showering or changing clothing prior to the exam. Campus Police will also offer and provide any available support resources to you.
  
  
• After the Incident
  If you are talking with us after the fact, you can expect that we will make an investigator available to you in a timely manner. You always have the option of speaking to a female investigator. We will discuss all of your options with you and support you in whatever choices you make. If you are comfortable making a formal complaint, we will ask you to write down what has happened. If you only want advice, we will ask you to tell us your story, leaving out specific details such as names or locations whick would obligate us to pursue an investigation.
  
  
• On Campus Options
  There are a number of on-campus services that we can advise you of and assist you with. Some of these may include:
  • use of the safe-rooms to remove you from a dangerous sitiuation
  • changing of access codes or locks to deny a suspect access to your living space
  • use of the duress alarm feature on our building access panels
  • informal resolution through the Dean of Student's Office
  • on campus disciplinary procedures
  • counseling though a Sexual Assault Counselor, The Counseling Center, or Peer Advocates of Sexual Respect.
    
    
• Off Campus Options
  Through the court system, we can:
  • assist you in obtaining a restraining order on the individual in question
  • conduct a full police investigation and work with the Amherst Police Department and the Distirct
  • Attorney's office to assess and pursue various legal options including criminal prosecution. If your case is a rape, you can expect we will work with the Amherst Police Department.

In Conclusion

Whatever routes are taken or choices are made, Campus Police will do our best to ensure that the decisions will be yours to make. We encourage you to use the Campus Police Department as a resource.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Campus Police Home Page

Last updated: October 16, 2000
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