Sexual Assault

What is a Sexual Assault?

As defined by (NRS 200.366), Sexual Assault is: A person who subjects another person to sexual penetration, or who forces another person to make a sexual penetration on himself or another, or on a beast, against the will of the victim or under conditions in which the perpetrator knows or should know that the victim is mentally or physically incapable of resisting or understanding the nature of his conduct.

What other crimes are considered Sex Crimes that are investigated by the Sexual Assault Detail?

Sex Crimes includes, but are not limited to Sexual Assault, Lewdness with a Minor, Open and Gross Lewdness, Luring a Minor, Statutory Sexual Seduction, Sexual Conduct between Teacher/Student and Pornography involving minors.

Are there other Sex Crimes that are related, but handled by other details?

Yes - There are some sex related crimes handled by other details, such as, child prostitution and suspicious deaths which are investigated by Vice and Homicide details, respectively.

Who works in the Sexual Assault Detail and what do they do?

The Sexual Assault Unit consists of four squads of detectives. Each squad is supervised by a sergeant. Two of the squads work full time on day-shift and two squads work full time on night-shift, in order for 7 day coverage. The detectives are responsible for the screening and reviewing of reported crimes, probable cause arrests, search warrants, case submittal packages. The investigating detective also coordinates with the first response officer in cases where a Sexual Assault has occurred within the preceding 72 hours. The Sexual Assault detective directs the investigation to include the timing and location of the medical exam, victim interview, and crime scene. There are many follow-up steps after the initial response and the steps can alter depending on the complexity/circumstances of the case.

How do I report the crime of a Sexual Assault?

If a Sexual Assault Crime has just occurred, immediately call the LVMPD emergency number of 911. If some time has passed since the assault, but is within 72 hours, the LVMPD emergency number of 911 can still be called, or the non-emergency number of 795-3111. All other cases beyond the 72 hour window can be reported, in person, to any LVMPD Area Command. Area Commands can either take the report, and collect voluntary statements, or call Sexual Assault Detectives for direction. Reports taken will be forwarded to the Sexual Assault Detective Bureau and assigned to a Detective.

What if I have questions or want to speak to the with the assigned Detective or Sergeant?

Please call the Sexual Assault Detail at 828-3421 and ask for the assigned Detective. If you do not know who the assigned Detective is, advise the support staff your name or event number and they will direct you to your assigned Detective. Staff personnel only have minimal information about your case and are not allowed to discuss the details of the case. They can only forward you to your detective’s desk phone, or the sergeant’s desk phone. Staff personnel normally work from 8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. Support Staff are not available on holidays or weekends.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault?

The statute of limitations on a sexual assault is 4 years. If the sexual assault is reported within 4 years of occurrence, there is no time limit within which the case needs to be prosecuted. Juvenile victims of sexual abuse must report the crime by the time the victim is 21 years old, if they knew or should have known they were a victim. Juvenile victims of sexual abuse must report by the age of 28 years, if they did not know or would not have known they were a victim.

Support Links

The Rape Crisis Center
www.therapecrisiscenter.org

Community Center for Victim's Rights
www.ccvr.org