CRIMES
A Training Guide For
Law Enforcement Officers
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Law Enforcement Standards Board
June 2006
Copyright © 2006 by Wisconsin Department of Justice. All rights reserved.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Training and Standards Bureau would like to acknowledge the assistance of
those who took the time to review this manuscript in draft form and who offered
many valuable suggestions for its improvement. Among those are the following:
Paul Clarke, Jr., Northcentral Technical College
James Curtis, Winnebago County District Attorney's Office
Paul Dedinsky, Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney
Dennis Drazkowski, Wisconsin Department of Justice-DCI
Daniel Feucht, Fox Valley Technical College
Burdett Fraser, Madison Area Technical College
Ken Hammond, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Jill Karofsky, National Conference of Bar Examiners
Michael Koll, Milwaukee Area Technical College
Randy Kolosovsky, Milwaukee Police Department
David Kotajarvi, Lakeshore Technical College
Don Liebenthal, VAWA-Trainer
Ray Maida, Wisconsin Coalition against Sexual Assault-Trainer
Liz Marquardt, Task Force Against Family Violence
Tess Meuer, Wisconsin Coalition against Domestic Violence
Bill Miller, North Central Technical College
Sandy Nowack, WI-Department of Justice
Bob Obermeier, Wausau Police Department
Jack Pace, Madison Area Technical College
Julie Rortvedt, Madison Police Department
Jennifer Senick-Celmer, Wisconsin Coalition against Sexual Assault
Office of Justice Assistance-VAWA Law Enforcement Training Program
Wisconsin Coalition against Sexual Assault
Wisconsin Coalition against Domestic Violence
Wisconsin Department of Justice-Crime Victim Services
Wisconsin Department of Justice-Crime Lab
The text was originally written by Linda Ruzicka, edited by Patricia A. Robinson.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..................................................................................... I
TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................................................... II
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................... 1
STATUTES COVERING SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES .................................... 7
DEFENSES........................................................................................................ 9
PROPERTY CRIMES ......................................................................................... 11
WHAT ARE PROPERTY CRIMES? ................................................................ 11
THE ELEMENTS OF COMMON PROPERTY CRIMES .................................. 11
INVESTIGATING PROPERTY CRIME ............................................................ 15
SUMMARY....................................................................................................... 19
PERSON CRIMES .............................................................................................. 21
WHAT ARE PERSON CRIMES? ..................................................................... 21
ELEMENTS OF COMMON PERSON CRIMES ............................................... 21
Crimes Against Life and Bodily Security: Chapter 940 .................................. 22
Crimes Against Public Health and Safety: Chapter 941 ................................ 27
Crimes against Public Health and Safety: Chapter 947 ................................ 28
INVESTIGATING PERSON CRIMES .............................................................. 29
SUMMARY....................................................................................................... 32
RESOURCES ..................................................................................................... 34
INDEX ................................................................................................................. 51
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CRIMES
WI-CHAPTERS 939, 940, 961
INTRODUCTION
Much of a law enforcement officer’s time is devoted to investigating crimes of one
sort or another. This chapter provides an overview of crime in the United States,
gives definitions for some of the terms associated with criminal law, discusses
certain statutes that apply to crimes committed under special circumstances, and
briefly discusses statutory defenses to crimes. The next two chapters deal more
specifically with property crimes and crimes against persons.
Two statistical programs from The U.S. Department of Justice measure the
magnitude, nature, and impact of crime in the Nation: the Uniform Crime
Reporting (UCR) Program and the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS).
Each uses different methods of data collection and has different purposes for the
data collected. The Uniform Crime Report collects information on crimes
reported to law enforcement authorities in an effort to provide reliable criminal
justice statistics. The National Crime Victimization Survey uses U.S. Census
Bureau personnel to interview household members twice a year. The purpose of
the NCVS is to collect information on crimes suffered by individuals and
households, whether or not those crimes were reported to law enforcement. The
two programs complement each other and provide a comprehensive look at
crime trends across the nation. Looking at these statistics may give you an
understanding of the occurrence of crimes, who the victims are and what the
relationship may be between victim and suspect.
In 2001, U.S. residents age 12 or older experienced approximately 24.2 million
crimes. Of these,



76% (18.3 million) were property crimes
24% (5.7 million) were crimes of violence
2% were personal thefts.
For every 1,000 persons, there were one rape or sexual assault, two assaults
with injury and three robberies. Murders were the least frequent—about 6 per
100,000 persons in 1999.
The following graphs show some of the trends in crime from 1973-2000. These
are based on data from the National Crime Victimization Survey.
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Figure 1 shows violent crime rates by age of the victim1.
Figure 1: Violent Crime Rates by Age of Victim
Violent crime includes murder, rape and sexual assault, robbery, and assault.
In general, the younger the person, the more likely that person was to experience
a violent crime.
Figure 2 shows the trend in violent crime rates for persons age 12 and over. The
violent crimes included are rape, robbery, aggravated and simple assault, and
homicide.
Males were more likely to be victimized by a stranger, and females were more
likely to be violently victimized by a friend, an acquaintance, or an intimate. Most
violent crimes (73%) occurred within 5 miles of the victim's home. About onequarter (26%) of violent crime involved a weapon.
In 2000, almost half of murder victims (44%) were related to or acquainted with
their assailants; 13% were murdered by strangers, and for 43% of victims the
relationship (if any) with their assailants was unknown.
1
Note that the National Crime Victimization Survey was redesigned in 1993; the area with the
lighter shading is before the redesign and the darker area after the redesign. The data before
1993 have been adjusted to make them comparable with data collected since the redesign.
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Figure 2: Violent Crime Rates
Figure 3 shows property crime rates. Property crimes include burglary, theft, and
motor vehicle theft.
Property crime makes up about three-quarters of all crime in the United States.
Overall, about 85% of all burglaries were successful. About 72% of all motor
vehicle thefts were successful. Rented households were burglarized at rates
79% higher than owned households. Households living in rented property had
almost twice the rate of motor vehicle theft than those in owned property.
Suburban households experienced all forms of property crime except burglary at
rates higher than those for rural households. 2
2
U.S. Department of justice-Office of Justice Programs; Bureau of Justice Statistics;
www.ojp.usdoj.gov
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Figure 3: Property Crime Rates
Definitions
CRIME - §939.12
A crime is conduct prohibited by law and punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.
Conduct punishable only by forfeiture is not a crime. Three factors are
necessary for a crime to be committed: Victim, Suspect and Location.
The victim is a person against whom a crime has been committed (§950.02).
The suspect then is the one alleged to have committed the crime and who may
be charged with the criminal behavior. Others may be charged with a crime even
though they did not directly commit the offense.
The location may refer to a specific address or territory where the offense
occurred. The location determines the jurisdiction (control or authority) for
investigation and subsequent prosecution of the criminal behavior. Jurisdiction
can be municipal, county, tribal, state or federal. Federal jurisdiction could fall
within the authority of several different agencies: Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) or FBI Disaster Squad. There may also be military jurisdiction
from a nearby military installation in the form of a commanding officer, judge
advocate or legal officer.
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Part of your investigation may include locating the scene of the crime—and
therefore establishing the jurisdiction—by gathering information from the victim
and witnesses or by gathering physical evidence. Note that jurisdiction also can
refer to specific groups of people rather than a location. For instance, the
Department of Human Services has jurisdiction over children under the age of 18
who are in need of protective services. Juvenile court has jurisdiction over
people under 17 who have committed a crime, as well as over children in need of
protective services.
Parties to Crime - §939.05
Parties to Crime is intended to permit persons to be charged with an offense if
they intentionally aided or conspired with another in committing a crime—even if
they themselves did not actually commit the crime.
Elements of a Crime
Each crime, as defined by Wisconsin statutes, is composed of parts or elements.
As you have learned in Report Writing, no consent is considered an element of
many crimes and must be asked and documented. You must also establish
probable cause that a suspect is guilty of each element in order to charge him or
her criminally. Probable cause is information sufficient to cause a reasonable
person to believe a crime has been committed and that the suspect committed
the crime.
Once a suspect is charged, the burden of proof is on the prosecution to prove
that the defendant is guilty of each element of the crime charged beyond a
reasonable doubt. If there is any weakness of proof of any element of the crime,
a defendant could be found to be not guilty of the charges. Therefore, any
information in your report or testimony that is shown in court to be weak or
unsubstantiated could affect the outcome of prosecution.
Elements of Proof
To convict a suspect in court, the prosecutor must show two things:


that the crime was committed (each element of the crime must be
proven)
that the suspect committed the crime
This requirement is important to remember as you commence to investigate a
situation. Identifying the suspect in a crime is not sufficient to get that person
convicted. Law enforcement must also show proof that the crime was committed
by establishing each of the elements through testimonial or physical evidence.
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Without Consent § 939.22(48)
Without consent means no consent was given or the consent was given only
because the victim feared physical violence against the victim, the victim’s family,
or another person present. Consent means cooperation free from compulsion or
duress and with knowledge of the nature of the act. No consent is given if the
victim does not understand (through ignorance, youth or defective mental
condition) of what he or she is consenting to.
Criminal Intent - §939.23
Intent, also referred to as Mens Rea, is the state of mind that establishes criminal
liability. It means that the offender is knowledgeable of the criminal aspects of the
behavior, that it is wrong and punishable, and that he or she willingly engaged in
the criminal behavior. The offender's intent can be indicated by the offender's
statements and conduct.
Criminal Negligence - §939.25
Behavior is considered criminally negligent when the person should have known
that the behavior would create substantial risk of death or great bodily harm to
another (including an unborn child or mother of the unborn child). Examples
could include extreme carelessness due to intoxication, lack of attention, or
failure to appreciate risks in a situation fraught with risks and potential dangers. 3
Criminal Recklessness - §939.24
Criminal recklessness occurs when a person creates an unreasonable and
substantial risk of death or great bodily harm to another human being and the
person is aware of that risk. Criminally reckless behavior includes a conscious
and willful disregard of the potential consequences of one's behavior. 4
Felony - §939.60
A felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment in the Wisconsin State prison
system.
Misdemeanor - §939.50
Misdemeanors are all crimes except felonies.
3
Police Investigation Handbook, Barton Ingraham & Thomas Mauriello, NY 1990
4
Police Investigation Handbook, Barton Ingraham & Thomas Mauriello, NY 1990
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STATUTES COVERING SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
In addition to providing criminal penalties for ordinary crimes such as theft or
battery, the Wisconsin Statutes also contain laws protecting victims and
witnesses and covering other special circumstances.
Crimes Committed Against Certain People or Property; Penalty - § 939.645
Elements:


Offender committed a crime.
Offender selected the victim in whole or in part because of the
offender's belief or perception regarding the race, or religion, etc. of the
person.
Intimidation of a Victim - § 940.44 (Misdemeanor)
Elements:
 Victim was a victim of a crime.
 Offender prevented, dissuaded, attempted to prevent, or attempted to
dissuade victim from reporting the crime to law enforcement agency.
 Offender acted knowingly and maliciously. Knowingly and maliciously:
The offender knew the victim was a crime victim and acted with the
purpose to prevent the victim from reporting the crime.
Intimidation of a Victim- § 940.45 (Felony)
Elements:
 All of the elements of §940.44.
 Offender's act was accompanied by attempted force or violence upon
victim or relative of victim §940.45 (1); or
 Offender's act accompanied by damage to property of victim or relative
of victim §940.45(2); or
 Offender's act accompanied by any express or implied threat of harm
described in either of the prior two elements §940.45(3); or
 Offender's act was in furtherance of conspiracy §940.45(4); or
 Offender has prior conviction for §§940.42 to 940.45 or any federal or
state law which, if prosecuted in WI, would have been a violation of
these statutes §940.45(5); or
 Offender committed the act for monetary gain or any other
consideration acting on the request of any other person §940.43(6).
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Intimidation of a Witness - § 940.42 (Misdemeanor)
Elements:
 Victim was a witness.
 Offender prevented, dissuaded, attempted to prevent, or attempted to
dissuade person from giving testimony at proceeding authorized by
law.
 Offender acted knowingly and maliciously. Knowingly and maliciously:
The offender knew the victim was a witness and acted with the
purpose to prevent the victim from attending the proceeding or
testifying.
Intimidation of a Witness - § 940.43 (Felony)
Elements:
 All the elements of §940.42
 Offender's act was accompanied by attempted force or violence upon
witness or relative of witness §940.43(1); or
 Offender's act was accompanied by damage to property of witness or
relative of witness; or §940.43(2); or
 Offender's act was accompanied by any express or implied threat of
harm described in prior two elements §940.43(3); or
 Offender's act was in furtherance of a conspiracy §940.43(4); or
 Offender has a prior conviction for §940.42 to 940.45 or any federal or
state law which, if prosecuted in WI, would have been a violation of
these statutes §940.43(5); or
 Offender committed the act for monetary gain or any other
consideration acting on the request of any other person §940.43(6).
Attempt to Commit a Crime - § 939.32 (1)
Elements:
 Offender intended to commit the crime.
 Offender’s actions met the elements of the pertinent crime.
 Actions unequivocally demonstrate that offender would have
committed crime except for another person’s intervention or
extraneous factor.
Bail Jumping By Offender - § 946.49 (1)
Elements:
 Offender was arrested or charged with a felony or a misdemeanor.
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 Offender was released from custody on bond.
 Offender intentionally failed to comply with terms of bond. Intentionally:
The offender knew of the terms of the bond and knew that his or her
actions did not comply with the terms.
DEFENSES
Defense of Others - § 939.48
Defense of others means the defendant acted in the honest and reasonable
belief that another person was about to suffer an unlawful interference by the
person he or she assaulted. It only need be proven that the person protected
was being unjustly attacked and had the right of self-defense.
Defense of Property - § 939.49
A person may threaten or intentionally use force against another to prevent or
terminate what the person believes to be an unlawful interference with the
person’s property. Note that the statute specifically excludes the use of deadly
force or force likely to cause great bodily harm solely in defense of property.
The next two chapters provide the elements of the most common property and
person crimes. Later chapters present techniques for processing the crime
scene and some investigative strategies.
SUMMARY
Crime in the United States is tracked by two reporting programs of the U.S.
Department of Justice: the Uniform Crime Reports, administered by the FBI, and
the National Crime Victimization Survey, administered by the U.S. Census
Bureau. Both show property crime to be much more common than violent crime.
In recent years, the overall crime rate has declined, although the exact causes
are not clear: population demographics, the state of the economy, and law
enforcement trends all play a part.
Any crime, which is an offense punishable by fine or imprisonment (or both), has
three important aspects:



victim
suspect
location
Part of your role as a law enforcement officer is to identify each of these three.
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Additionally, each crime is defined in the Wisconsin Statutes by its elements—the
individual components that the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in
order to convict a suspect. As a law enforcement officer, you must know the
elements of various crimes, both to determine what crime was committed and
also to know what evidence you must document to prove the crime in court.
You must also know the legal meaning of certain terms such as criminal
negligence or criminal recklessness, and be familiar with special circumstances
governing some crimes (such as intimidation of a victim or witness). Some
circumstances constitute statutory defenses against prosecution. For example,
while it is generally unlawful for a citizen to batter another, if the person is doing
so to defend him or herself or someone else, the behavior may be justifiable.
The next two chapters provide detailed information about identifying and
investigating the most common property crimes and person crimes.
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PROPERTY CRIMES
WI-Chapter 943
WHAT ARE PROPERTY CRIMES?
Property crimes are crimes in which the offender damaged property, trespassed
on the property of another, or misappropriated property. They are by far the
most common crimes. They may seem less serious than person crimes—and in
a sense they are—but they nevertheless result in the direct loss of billions of
dollars every year, as well as causing other indirect costs through the increase in
insurance rates and product pricing. Many property crimes are committed by
experienced criminals who specialize in certain types of items, victims, dwellings
or even trademarks. Other property crimes are crimes of opportunity where the
offender locates an item of value in an unprotected and unobserved area and
commit the crime without any type of plan. Crimes of opportunity often are
committed by the young and inexperienced.
This chapter first lists the elements of many of the more common property crimes
and then discusses some strategies for investigating property crimes. For
convenience, the listing of property crimes is divided into categories: damage,
trespass, and misappropriation.
THE ELEMENTS OF COMMON PROPERTY CRIMES
1. Damage
Criminal Damage to Property - § 943.01 (Misdemeanor)
 Offender caused damage to physical property. Note: damage can be
anything from mere defacement of the property to total destruction.
 Offender intentionally caused the damage.
 The property belonged to another person.
 Offender caused damage without the consent of owner.
 Offender knew that property belonged to another and that person did
not consent.
Graffiti - §943.017 (Misdemeanor or Felony)
 Offender intentionally caused damage to physical property by marking,
drawing, writing or etching on the physical property.
 The physical property belonged to another person.
 Offender caused the damage without the consent of the owner.
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 Offender knew the property belonged to another and that person did
not consent.
Arson of Buildings - § 943.02 (Felony)





Offender intentionally damaged a building (injured, charred, defaced—
also includes smoke damage).
Offender used fire or explosives.
Building belonged to another person.
Offender damaged the building without the owner’s consent.
Offender knew the building belonged to another and knew the owner
did not give consent.
Or





Offender intentionally damaged any building by fire.
Building belonged to another person.
Offender damaged the building without the owner’s consent.
Offender knew the building belonged to another and knew the owner
did not give consent.
Offender had intent to defraud an insurer of the building.
(See also Arson of Property Other Than a Building - § 943.03)
2. Trespass
Burglary with Intent to Steal - § 943.10 (1) (Felony)
 Offender intentionally entered a building.
 Entry was without the consent of a person in lawful possession of the
building.
 Offender knew that the entry was without the owner’s consent.
 Offender entered building with intent to steal. Note: The intent must be
formed before the entry is made.
Entry Into Locked Vehicle - § 943.11 (Misdemeanor)




Offender intentionally entered the locked and enclosed portion of the
vehicle of another.
Offender did not have consent of the owner of the vehicle.
Offender knew the vehicle belonged to another and that the entry was
without the owner’s consent.
Offender intended to steal from the locked and enclosed compartment
of a vehicle.
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Possession of Burglarious Tools - § 943.12 (Felony)
 Offender has possession of a tool or device.
 The tool or device is suitable for breaking into a building.
 Offender intended to use the tool or device to break into a building with
the intent to steal.
Entry into Locked Coin Box - § 943.125 (Misdemeanor)




Offender intentionally entered a locked coin box of another.
Offender did so without consent of owner.
Offender knew coin box belonged to another and there was no
consent.
Offender entered coin box with intent to steal.
Criminal Trespass to Dwellings - § 943.14 (Misdemeanor)
 Offender intentionally entered the dwelling of another.
 Offender entered without the consent of someone lawfully upon the
premises.
 Offender entered under circumstances tending to create or provoke a
breach of the peace.
 Offender knew entry was without consent and knew it would tend to
create or provoke a breach of peace. Note: The offender’s conduct
does not need to create an actual breach the peace to violate §943.14.
Entry into a Locked Dwelling - § 943.15 (Misdemeanor)



Offender entered dwelling of another (apartment, room, building or
other structure).
Offender entered dwelling when it was locked.
Offender entered without the consent of a person in lawful possession
of premises.
3. Misappropriation
Robbery - § 943.32 (1) (a) and (b) (Felony)



Offender took property from the person or the presence of the owner.
Offender took property with intent to steal.
Offender used or threatened force with intent to overcome physical
resistance. Section 943.32 (1) (a) is robbery by the use of force.
Section 943.32 (1) (b) is robbery by the threat of force. Section 943.32
(2) is robbery by the threat or use of a dangerous weapon.
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Theft - § 943.20 (1) (a) (Penalties Based on Value of Property)
 Offender intentionally took and carried away the movable property of
another.
 The owner did not consent to taking and carrying away of property.
 Offender knew that the owner did not consent.
 Offender intended to permanently deprive the owner of possession of
property.
Theft - § 943.20 (3) (e) (Felony)
 Offender intentionally took and carried a way the movable property of
another.
 Offender took property from person or corpse of another
 Owner did not consent to the taking and carrying away of such
property
 Offender knew that taking and carrying away the property was without
consent
Fraud on Hotel/Restaurant/Cab - §943.21 (Felony or Misdemeanor)



Offender obtained services, beverage, food, or
lodging/accommodation.
Offender knew they were obligated to pay.
Offender intentional absconded without paying.
Issue Worthless Check - § 943.24 (Felony/Misdemeanor)


Offender issued check.
Offender intended that it not be paid.
Receiving Stolen Property - § 943.34 (Felony Or Misdemeanor)



Offender intentionally received and concealed property.
The property was stolen.
Offender knew the property was stolen.
Forgery - § 943.38 (1) (Felony)



Offender falsely made or altered a writing (includes a check) or other
object.
The object appeared to be made by another, at another time, or by
authority of another.
Offender had intent to defraud.
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Retail Theft - §943.50 (Felony or Misdemeanor)





Offender intentionally altered the indicated price or value of, took and
carried away, transferred, concealed, or retained possession of
property.
The property was merchandise held for resale by merchant.
The offender knew that the property was merchandise held for resale
by merchant.
The merchant did not consent.
Offender knew the merchant did not consent.
INVESTIGATING PROPERTY CRIME
Damage Crimes (Criminal Damage, Graffiti, Arson)
Damage crimes can range from the relatively trivial (smashed mailbox) to the
very serious (arson of a building). What they have in common is that the
perpetrators generally try to do their work unseen. There may be no witnesses to
the crime itself, which means that if the offender is to be charged and convicted,
it will often be due only to your careful investigation.
Even if the damage is minor in monetary value, do a thorough investigation.
Information you discover or evidence you collect may not only serve to catch the
culprit, but may also help solve other, more serious crimes committed by the
same person.
Criminal damage may be random, as for example, when teenagers drive along a
street smashing every mailbox they pass, or it may be targeted at a specific
individual. An example of the latter would be when an ex-girlfriend “keys” her exboyfriend’s car because she’s angry at him. Sometimes an offender may
disguise a targeted attack by damaging surrounding property as well. In any
criminal damage investigation, you should





Determine the time frame during which the damage occurred.
Interview the victim to determine possible motive and/or suspects.
Collect any evidence left behind (e.g. tools used to inflict damage).
Canvass the immediate area to find out if anyone saw or heard the
crime take place.
Document the damage, including a description (and photo, if possible)
and estimated cost to repair or replace.
Graffiti may be the work of gang members staking out their “turf,” or it may be the
work of ‘taggers’ who see themselves as artists. In these cases, the property
damaged may have been chosen primarily because of its location rather than to
attack its owner. Sometimes graffiti is directed at a particular individual or group,
in which case it may fall into the category of a hate crime (a swastika painted on
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a synagogue, for example). For any of these, following a similar strategy as
outlined above for Criminal Damage is effective.
Arson is a different sort of crime. Arsons are committed for a variety of
reasons—to collect insurance, out of spite, to cover up another crime, or even as
an act of domestic terrorism. Some arsonists do not have rational reasons—
rather they get psychological satisfaction from starting fires. Generally, you will
not be tasked with conducting the fire cause and origin investigation—that is
usually done by trained fire investigators. However, you may well be first on the
scene of an arson fire. Your documented initial observations may be critical to
later investigative efforts. Whenever you respond to a fire, note the following5
and include the information in your report:





the presence and location of victim(s) and witnesses(s)
any vehicles leaving the scene
fire conditions (color, location, and amount of smoke and flame)
weather conditions
anything unusual (containers, exterior burning or charring on the building,
piles of debris, etc.)
Trespass Crimes
With trespass crimes, you may or may not arrive while the suspect is still present.
In any case, it is essential that you establish that the suspect did not have legal
authority to enter the building, vehicle, or container. Sometimes the victim may
believe the suspect does not have a right to enter when in fact he or she does.
For example, an estranged husband may (under Wisconsin’s marital property
act) have a right to enter a vehicle titled to his wife. An ex-girlfriend may have a
right to enter her ex-boyfriend’s apartment (where she had been living until very
recently) even after he’s kicked her out. Other cases are quite straightforward.
With any trespass crime, be sure to identify and document




the time frame in which the crime occurred
any evidence of forcible entry (damage, pry marks, etc.)
the victim’s non-consent and how the suspect would or should have
known there was no consent to enter.
any evidence of intent to steal
One trespass crime that may require a very extensive and complex investigation
is burglary. Some burglaries are crimes of opportunity, but others are committed
by professionals who make their living by committing burglaries. A careful
investigation is essential to identifying the suspects in either type.
5
This list is adapted from Fire and Arson Scene Evidence: A Guide for Public Safety Personnel,
NCJ 181584, U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, 810 Seventh Street NW,
Washington, DC 20531, June 2000.
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Sometimes a homeowner or business owner realizes immediately on arriving at
the home or business that it has been burglarized and calls the police before
even going inside. Doing so is preferable, since the burglar may still be on the
scene. If there is any chance that the burglar is still inside, tactically clear the
building before beginning your investigation. Once the building is clear,
determine point of entry/exit and note the existence of any tool marks. Have the
victim observe or walk through the scene with you (being careful not to disturb
evidence), checking for missing/added or moved items or for any other activity
the suspect engaged in. Preserve and document the scene as explained in the
RESPOND model.
As you know, physical evidence, such as footwear impressions, fingerprints,
DNA, fiber traces, clothing, etc. may provide clues to the suspect's identity. At a
burglary crime scene, think about where the suspect went and what he or she did
as you consider where to look for fingerprints. If a dresser has been gone
through, look at the bottoms of the dresser drawers and the items inside that the
burglar might have touched while rifling through the contents. If a TV or stereo
has been taken, ask what else the burglar would have had to touch to remove it.
Consider if the burglar might have touched doors, windows, documents, toilet
seats, refrigerator (and items within) and items in the garbage. Expect that you
will find prints from several different people at the crime scene: the victim, the
victim’s associates and—hopefully—the suspect. Another sort of physical
evidence is the tool mark or impression left at forced entry points. Any forced
entry point shows the offender's intent to enter. The means by which the lock,
bolt or other security measure was defeated can often provide additional clues
about the suspect.
Additionally, the modus operandi of a burglar may aid in determining his or her
identity. Modus operandi (often abbreviated MO) is the method, manner or habit
of a particular suspect in planning and committing a crime. In examining different
burglaries for any similarities, a pattern may emerge that will direct the focus of
the investigation to a particular individual. For example, at one burglary crime
scene, a fingerprint is recovered. At a second crime scene nearby that showed a
similar entry/exit pattern, a witness gives a vehicle description and partial
registration number. Together these two pieces of information might lead to the
suspect's identity.
Sometimes burglars are particular (and consistent) about the circumstances in
which they commit their crimes. For instance, one burglar might show a pattern in
any of the following aspects of the crime:





the type of victim
the type of dwelling
the means of entry
the type of item (can identify the skilled for the unskilled criminal)
the time of crime
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

working with associates
leaving a trademark or calling card
A property criminal may target a particular victim and use a scam to commit the
crime—such as posing as a construction worker or repair person. Others might
target a category of victim, such as elderly single women, and might include
accomplices posing as his wife and kids in a nearby car to disarm the victims’
natural suspicions.
Once the crime has occurred, the suspect will typically turn over the stolen items
for cash or give them away as gifts to family and friends. Follow-up on these
cases should include a visit to the pawnshops and resale stores in the area to
check for any stolen merchandise. When taking a report from the victim, try to
obtain all serial numbers, and any individual marks or distinguishing
characteristics that would assist in identifying the item. Note that pawnshops
have procedures dictated by their municipality for receiving property. Some
record a fingerprint; some take identification or minimally have some record of
who dropped off the item.
When interviewing a victim, ask about the person’s whereabouts, the time he or
she was last at the scene and what time he or she returned. Probe the victim’s
memory for anything unusual that happened or anyone unusual who was in the
area in the few days before the event. Ask the victim for any ideas on who would
have entered the home or business. Conduct a canvass of the area. While
eyewitnesses are rare in burglaries, canvassing the area may develop
information on suspicious persons seen in the area or unusual events prior to the
crime.
Misappropriation Crimes
Thefts of one sort or another are very common—99% of us will be the victim of a
personal theft sometime in our lives6. From an investigative standpoint, one of
the more challenging misappropriation crimes is robbery. Often the only
eyewitness in a robbery is the victim—who is recovering from a rapid and violent
or potentially violent) event. Often the robber has targeted the victim for some
reason and then waited for an opportunity. When the opportunity comes, the
robber acts very quickly. The psychological—and often physical—impact on the
victim may be great, and yet the victim may not fully understand what has just
happened because the trauma has caused a delayed response.
Of course you need to obtain information as soon as possible, in case the
suspect is still in the area. A prompt description may result in quick
apprehension. When interviewing the victim, keep in mind that the disorientating
effect of the robbery may cause a victim to misstate information or “fill in the
blanks” in a misguided attempt to be helpful. Try having the victim focus on what
6
Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, Lifetime Likelihood of Victimization
(Washington, DC, U.S. Government Printing Office, 1987)
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the perpetrator did and what was said during and after the event. Have the
victim describe the voice as well as gestures, movements and the exact words
that were spoken. As always, this information may produce similarities or
patterns that link the perpetrator to other robberies or other incidents in the area.
If the victim was injured, have him or her sign a medical release form for the
release of any documentation of those injuries and their treatment. Conduct a
canvass of the area and check any possible recipients of the stolen property.
This information may lead to the suspect or to an accomplice. Analysis of
physical evidence at the scene, video recordings, and comparisons of other
incidents with similar characteristics may also provide leads.
Bank robbery is more complicated to investigate than personal robbery, because
it involves a financial institution, often several witnesses and/or victims, multiple
areas of physical evidence and multiple types of evidence. There may be video
surveillance and possibly security guards. Often there are several suspects that
are armed. Multiple agencies may be involved in the investigation of bank
robbery, including the FBI.
SUMMARY
Law enforcement officers deal with property crimes—damage, trespass, and
misappropriation—almost daily. Property crimes are the most common crimes,
affecting almost all of us at one time or another. As a whole, society loses
billions of dollars each year to these crimes. Some property criminals are
“professionals” who may specialize in certain types of crimes, victims, or
locations; others are inexperienced, often young people, for whom these crimes
are crimes of opportunity.
Property crimes can be divided into three general groups:



damage crimes, such as criminal damage to property, graffiti, or arson
trespass crimes, including burglary, entry into a locked coin box, and
criminal trespass to property
misappropriation crimes, such as robbery, theft, and forgery.
Within each category, the crimes can range from relatively minor to extremely
serious, with the penalties (misdemeanor or felony) reflecting this spread.
Investigating property crimes requires care and attention to detail. In many
cases, a thorough investigation of one crime may lead to the solving of another—
property crimes often occur in clusters. For example, a single neighborhood may
experience a rash of daytime burglaries. As the evidence accumulates, the
entire group of crimes may be revealed to be the work of one or two perpetrators.
The evidence recovered from any one scene may not be enough to identify the
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perpetrator, but when put together with evidence from other scenes, a pattern
may emerge that points to the offender.
Damage crimes range from the relatively minor (a maliciously broken window) to
the severe (arson to a building). For even the minor ones, however, you need to
complete a solid investigation. Often damage crimes are discovered after the
fact, when the property owner returns from being away. One of your tasks is to
establish the time frame during which the damage occurred. In general, you
must interview the victim and any witnesses to try to determine motive or
suspect, collect evidence, perhaps canvass the area to locate any other
witnesses, document the damage and estimate the cost of repair or replacement.
Arson is usually investigated by trained fire investigators who can analyze the
remains to determine the cause and origin of the fire. In many cases, however,
you may the first on the scene. Observe the fire and the people and vehicles in
the immediate area and document your observations. Sometimes arsonists like
to watch the fires they set.
Trespass crimes may turn out not to be crimes at all, but rather civil disputes
between landlord and tenant or estranged spouses. Good interviewing skills will
help you to determine whether the alleged offender had a right to enter the
property or not. Other trespass crimes, such as burglaries, are clearly criminal
acts. Those must be investigated as any crime, by interviewing victims and
witnesses, preserving and documenting the scene, collecting evidence, and
conducting follow-up.
Misappropriation crimes range from very minor (stolen Christmas decorations) to
very serious (bank robbery). Regardless of the severity, you should give each
victim the same professional service. Even a minor theft leaves the victim feeling
violated—a robbery may leave the victim traumatized. Bank robberies may
involve several agencies, including the FBI. Your job as first responding officer is
the same in each case: follow the RESPOND model to ensure that victims and
witnesses are interviewed and supported as needed, the scene and evidence are
preserved, any additional resources mustered, and everything thoroughly
documented.
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PERSON CRIMES
WI-Chapters 940, 941, and 947
WHAT ARE PERSON CRIMES?
The last chapter dealt with property crimes, which constitute one major category
of crimes investigated by police. This chapter addresses the other major
category: person crimes. In property crimes, while the property owner is the
victim, the injury or damage is inflicted on the property. In person crimes, the
victim is damaged or injured directly. This fact makes investigation of person
crimes more difficult in many ways. As with robbery, the victim of a person crime
has just undergone an experience that may have been traumatic. The victim
may be injured—perhaps seriously—and may therefore be unavailable to you
because of medical treatment, may be unable to recall events, or may be
physically or psychologically unable to talk about them. In some cases, the
victim may be dead.
The more difficult and complex the investigation, the more important it is that you
conduct each step of the investigation carefully and thoroughly. Pay close
attention to every aspect—initial observations, witness information, evidence
collection, canvassing, and so on. What may seem trivial or unimportant
information at the time often turns out later to be crucial to convicting the
perpetrator.
The chapter begins with a review of the elements of common person crimes and
then provides some strategies for investigating person crimes.
ELEMENTS OF COMMON PERSON CRIMES
Person crimes fall into three groups:



crimes against life and bodily security (Ch. 940)
crimes against public health and safety (Ch. 941)
crimes against public peace and order (Ch. 947)
The first of these are usually one-on-one crimes, where there is a direct
connection between the perpetrator and the victim, as for example, in a battery,
where one person deliberately injures another. (Of course, any of these may
have more than one perpetrator or victim.) The second category includes crimes
in which the public at large may be endangered by the perpetrator’s conduct.
The third category includes a variety of crimes, which may not directly endanger
persons, but which disrupt the peace and order of the community.
The next several pages provide the elements of several of the more common
person crimes. This chapter does not present an exhaustive list. For example,
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sexual assault and crimes against children are covered in a later chapter.
Domestic violence is also addressed at length in a later chapter, but note that
any of these person crimes may take place in a domestic context, requiring that
you handle the case as a domestic crime.
Because person crimes can be complex, you will probably find it helpful to refer
to your copy of Selected Excerpts from the Wisconsin Statutes as your read this
chapter.
Crimes Against Life and Bodily Security: Chapter 940
First–Degree Intentional Homicide - § 940.01 (Felony)
 Causes the death of another
 With the intent to kill that person or another
To charge someone with First-Degree Intentional Homicide means that the State
can prove beyond a reasonable doubt, not only that the elements of the crime
were met but also that there were no mitigating circumstances. Any of the
following is an affirmative defense to the charge of First-Degree Intentional
Homicide. The effect may be to reduce the charge to Second-Degree
Intentional Homicide or to excuse the conduct entirely.




adequate provocation
unnecessary defensive force
prevention of felony
coercion; necessity
For more information on these, see Chapter 939.44-939.48 of the Wisconsin
Statutes.
First-Degree Reckless Homicide - §940.02 (Felony)
 Recklessly causes the death of another human being
 Under circumstances which show utter disregard for human life
Note: Criminal recklessness is defined in §939.24 as meaning that the “actor
creates an unreasonable and substantial risk of death or great bodily harm to
another human being and the actor is aware of that risk.” Section 939.22 defines
great bodily harm as ”bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death, or
which causes serious permanent disfigurement, or which causes a permanent or
protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ or
other serious bodily injury.”
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Second–Degree Intentional Homicide - §940.05 (Felony)
 Causes the death of another human being
 With intent to kill that person or another.
The difference between First-Degree and Second-Degree Intentional Homicide is
the presence or absence of mitigating circumstances.
Second–Degree Reckless Homicide §940.06 (Felony)
 Recklessly causes the death of another human being
Remember that criminal recklessness requires that the offender knew or should
have known that the conduct was likely to cause death or great bodily harm.
Homicide by Negligent Handling of Dangerous Weapon, Explosives or Fire
§940.08 (Felony)
 Causes the death of another human being
 By the negligent operation or handling of a dangerous weapon,
explosives, or fire
Note that this statute does not require any intent to harm on the part of the
offender.
Simple Battery - §940.19 (1) (Misdemeanor)




Offender caused bodily harm
Offender intended to cause bodily harm
Victim did not consent
Offender knew victim did not consent
Substantial or Aggravated Battery - §940.19 (2) (4) (6) (Felony)


Offender caused substantial bodily harm or great bodily harm
Offender intended to cause bodily harm to victim or to another person
OR
 Offender's conduct created a substantial risk of great bodily harm
 Offender knew conduct created a substantial risk of great bodily harm
Note that §939.22(38) defines substantial bodily harm as “bodily injury that
causes a laceration that requires stitches; any fracture of a bone; a burn; a
temporary loss of consciousness, sight, or hearing; a concussion; or a loss of
fracture or tooth.”
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Simple Battery to an Unborn Child - §940.195 (1) (Misdemeanor)
 Offender caused bodily harm to an unborn child
 Offender intended to cause bodily harm to unborn child; or
 Offender intended to cause bodily harm to the woman pregnant with
the unborn child; or
 Offender intended to cause bodily harm to another person
Note: See also § 940.19(2) Substantial Battery to Unborn (Felony) and
§940.195-(4) Aggravated Battery to Unborn (Felony).
Battery to Law Enforcement Officer/Firefighter §940.20 (2) (Felony)




Offender caused bodily harm
Offender acted intentionally
Victim was a law enforcement officer or firefighter
Victim was acting in an official capacity. (Officers and firefighters act
in an official capacity if they perform duties they are employed to
perform.)
 Offender knew or had reason to know victim was a law enforcement
officer or firefighter acting in an official capacity
Mayhem- §940.21 (Felony)
 Offender cut or mutilated a bodily member of another
 The cutting or mutilating caused great bodily harm
 Offender intended to disable or disfigure
First-Degree Reckless Injury - §940.23 (1) (a) (Felony)
 Offender committed elements of §940.23 (2) (a)
 The circumstances of the offender’s conduct showed utter disregard
for human life
Second-Degree Reckless Injury - §940.23 (2) (a) (Felony)
 Offender caused great bodily harm
 The offender caused the great bodily by criminally reckless conduct
Injury by Negligent Handling of Dangerous Weapons, Explosives, or Fire §940.24 (Felony)
 In a Offender operated or handled dangerous weapon, explosives, or
fire
 manner constituting criminal negligence
 Operation or handling caused bodily harm
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Note: §939.25 defines criminal negligence as “ordinary negligence to a high
degree, consisting of conduct that the actor should realize creates a substantial
and unreasonable risk of death or great bodily harm to another.”
Abuse of Vulnerable Adults - § 940.285 (2) (b) (Felony)
 Victim is a vulnerable adult (see definition below)
 Offender intentionally, recklessly, or negligently subjects the victim to
maltreatment , or
 The maltreatment was under circumstances that caused death, or
 The maltreatment was under circumstances that caused or were likely
to cause great bodily harm; or bodily harm under §940.285 (2) (b) 2
Abuse of Vulnerable Adults - § 940.285 (2) (b) (Misdemeanor)
 Victim is a vulnerable adult (see definition below)
 Offender recklessly or negligently subjects the victim to maltreatment,
and the maltreatment was under circumstances that caused or were
likely to cause bodily harm;
OR
 Victim is a vulnerable adult (see definition below)
 Offender intentionally, recklessly, or negligently subjects the victim to
maltreatment and the maltreatment was under circumstances that did
not cause and were not likely to cause bodily harm
Note: vulnerable adult is defined as any person 18 year of age or older who
either is a developmentally disabled person or has infirmities of aging, mental
illness, or other like incapacities, and who is substantially mentally incapable of
providing for his or her needs for food, shelter, clothing, or personal or health
care; or who is unable to report cruel maltreatment without assistance.
This is an extremely complex statute; refer to your Selected Excerpts for the
details.
False Imprisonment - §940.30 (Felony)





Offender confined or restrained victim
Offender intentionally confined or restrained victim
Confinement and restraint was without victim's consent
Offender had no lawful authority to confine or restrain victim
Offender knew such confinement or restraint was without lawful
authority
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Note: a person is not confined or restrained if that person knew he or she could
have avoided the situation by reasonable action. A reasonable opportunity to
escape does not, however, change confinement or restraint once it has already
occurred.
Taking a Hostage - §940.305 (2) (Felony)




Offender seized, constrained, or restrained victim
Offender did so without victim's consent
Offender used force or the threat of force
Offender demanded by conduct or statements that another person
perform or not perform some action
Stalking- §940.32 (Felony)
 Offender intentionally engaged in a course of conduct directed at victim
 Offender’s acts would have caused a reasonable person under the
same circumstances to fear bodily injury or death to himself or herself
or to a member of his or her household
 Offender’s acts induced fear in victim of bodily injury or death to
himself or herself or to a member of his or her household
 Offender knew or should have known that conduct placed victim in
reasonable fear of bodily injury or death of himself or herself or a
member of his or her family or household
Note: A course of conduct is defined as a series of two or more acts carried out
over time, however short or long, that show a continuity of purpose, including any
of the following:









maintaining a visual or physical proximity to the victim
approaching or confronting the victim
appearing at victim’s workplace or contacting victim’s employer or
coworkers
appearing at the victim’s home or contacting the victim’s neighbors
entering property owned, leased, or occupied by the victim
contacting victim by telephone or causing victim’s or any other person’s
telephone to ring repeatedly or continuously, regardless of whether
conversation ensues
sending material by an means to the victim or, for the purpose of obtaining
information about, disseminating information about, or communicating with
the victim, to a member of the victim’s family or household or an employer,
coworker, or friend of the victim
placing an object on or delivering an object to property owned, leased, or
occupied by victim
delivering an object to a member of victim’s family or household or an
employer, coworker, or friend of the victim or placing an object on, or
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
delivering an object to, property owned, leased, or occupied by such a
person with the intent that the object be delivered to the victim
causing a person to engage in any of the acts described in subs. 7 to 9
Crimes Against Public Health and Safety: Chapter 941
Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon -§941.20 (Felony)
 Offender discharged a firearm
 Offender intentionally shot into building or vehicle
 Under the circumstances, offender should have realized a human
being might be present in building or vehicle
OR
 Offender discharged firearm from a vehicle while on a highway or in a
public parking
 Offender discharged toward another person, building, or vehicle lot
 Offender acted with purpose to discharge firearm at other person,
building, or vehicle
Note: dangerous weapon means any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, or
any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily
harm.
Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon -§ 941.20 (1)
(Misdemeanor)
 Offender operated or handled dangerous weapon
 The manner of operating or handling constituted criminal negligence
 The criminal negligence endangered safety of another person
OR
 Offender operated or went armed with firearm
 Offender was under the influence of an intoxicant when operating or
going armed with firearm
OR
 Offender pointed a firearm at or toward another human being
 Offender intentionally pointed the firearm at or toward another human
being
OR
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 Offender discharged firearm
 Offender was on land belonging to someone else
 Offender was within 100 yards of a building devoted to human
occupancy and located on land of another
 Offender did not have express permission of owner or occupant of
building
Carrying a Concealed Weapon - §941.23 (Misdemeanor)
Offender went armed with a dangerous weapon-weapon must have been on
offender's person or within offender's reach.
 Offender was aware of the presence of weapon
 Weapon was concealed
Note: Peace officers are not subject to this law.
Crimes against Public Health and Safety: Chapter 947
Disorderly Conduct - § 947.01 (Misdemeanor)
 In a public or private place
 Offender engaged in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous,
unreasonably loud, or otherwise disorderly conduct
 Offender's conduct, under the circumstances as they then existed,
tended to cause or provoke a disturbance.
Note: The offender's conduct does not necessarily have to cause an actual
disturbance to violate §947.01.
Unlawful Use of a Telephone - § 947.012 (1) (a) (Misdemeanor)
 Offender made telephone call to victim
 Offender used obscene, lewd, or profane language or suggested any
lewd or lascivious act, or
 Offender did not disclose his or her identity, or
 Offender threatened to inflict injury or physical harm to any person or
the property of any person
 By making call, offender intended to frighten, intimidate, threaten,
abuse or harass
Harassment - §947.013 (1m) (a) and (1r) (Forfeiture)
 With intent to harass or intimidate another person,
 Offender struck, shoved, kicked, or otherwise subjected the person to
physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same; or
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 Offender engaged in course of conduct that harassed or intimidated
victim and that served no legitimate purpose
Harassment – § 947.013 (1r) (Misdemeanor)
 With intent to harass or intimidate another person,
 Offender struck, shoved, kicked, or otherwise subjected the person to
physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same; or
 Offender engaged in course of conduct that harassed or intimidated
victim and that served no legitimate purpose
AND
 Offender was subject to an order that prohibited or limited his or her
contact with victim
AND
 The act was accompanied by a credible threat that placed the victim in
reasonable fear of death or great bodily harm.
Harassment - §947.013 (1m) (b) and (1r) (Felony)
 With intent to harass or intimidate another person,
 Offender struck, shoved, kicked, or otherwise subjected the person to
physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same; or
 Offender engaged in course of conduct that harassed or intimidated
victim and that served no legitimate purpose
AND EITHER
 Offender has a prior conviction for Harassment, or
 Offender intentionally gained access to a record in electronic format
that contains personally identifiable information regarding the victim in
order to facilitate the violation.
INVESTIGATING PERSON CRIMES
Investigating person crimes is very similar to investigating property crimes, with
one important difference: the victim or victims may be injured or dead.
Additionally, person crimes can sometimes be very complex, involving multiple
suspects and victims, more than one crime scene, and require the coordination
of several agencies to respond and investigate. For example, you respond to a
shooting, only to find that instead of one victim and one suspect, you have three
victims in different locations, and witnesses report seeing gunfire from two
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vehicles, each containing several people. Your investigation follows the same
sequence of steps—you just have to repeat them for each separate event. When
you interview victims and witnesses, you can also compare their statements to
find similarities or inconsistencies.
The more complicated an incident, the more agency resources will be devoted to
the investigation. Depending on the size of the incident and the size of your
agency, you may have a number of officers, investigators, detectives, and
supervisors involved. In some cases, more than one agency will be involved.
While the involvement of more personnel can help to make the investigation of a
large, complex incident manageable, it also requires careful documentation of the
actions of each law enforcement officer. Even if your part in the investigation
seems insignificant—you spent four hours maintaining a position on the outer
perimeter, for example—you still need to document your actions and
observations. You may hold the piece that will make the case solid enough to
convict the offender.
In person crimes, the victim may be injured or dead. If the victim has been
transported by ambulance, your initial response may be to the hospital rather
than the crime scene. From the hospital, you can interview the victim and
coordinate the actions of other officers responding to the crime scene. While at
the hospital you need to




interview the victim
interview medical personnel and obtain treatment records
interview family members and friends at the hospital
communicate with officers in the field
Interview the Victim
As with any crime victim, you will want to get a statement of what happened from
the victim’s perspective. Try to establish a chronology of events and where they
occurred. It may be helpful to work out the sequence of events in reverse: start
with the victim’s arrival at the hospital and work backwards. Hospital and
ambulance records can help establish exact times. If the victim knows the
perpetrator, get as much identifying information as you can and relay that
information to units in the field who may be able to apprehend the suspect. If the
suspect is unknown, ask who might have had a motive to attack the victim. Be
sure to get a statement of non-consent.
One of your tasks will be to determine if, indeed, a crime has been committed.
Sometimes injuries that appear to be the result of assault turn out to be selfinflicted or accidental. A person who attempted suicide may be unwilling to admit
that; a person who was accidentally injured through his or her own negligence or
unfamiliarity with a weapon may be embarrassed and invent an assailant to
cover up the real cause of the injury.
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If the victim is so severely injured that he or she is unable to provide a statement,
the interview may have to wait, but an officer should remain with the victim
throughout, to document anything said. Obviously, if the victim is dead you will
not have any victim statement unless you had obtained a dying declaration or
excited utterance prior to death. The section on Death Investigation will discuss
investigative strategies for those cases when the victim is not available for a
statement. Similarly, if the victim is severely traumatized, as for example, in a
violent sexual assault, the victim may not be able or willing to provide a
statement. The subsequent sections on Sensitive Crimes will describe strategies
for these investigations.
Interview Medical Personnel and Obtain Treatment Records
Ask the victim to sign a release of medical information so that you can get copies
of the hospital records of treatment to attach to your report. Ask the treating
physician if the injuries are consistent with the victim’s account of what
happened. If not, re-interview the victim. He or she may have unintentionally
misstated information or simply not remembered the events clearly as a result of
stress. Or the victim might be attempting to cover up a suicide attempt, an
accidental injury—or even trying to protect the suspect.
As always, document everything. Be sure to get the names of treating medical
personnel and try to keep a log of any actions taken during your time at the
hospital.
Interview Family Members and Friends at the Hospital
Often, family members and friends will rush to the hospital to check up on the
victim. Remember—one of these persons might be the perpetrator. In any case,
try to complete your interview with the victim before allowing others to have
contact with the victim. If possible, interview the victim’s visitors at the hospital
as well—one at a time, separately. The earlier you can get statements from
everyone involved the better. The more time passes, the more opportunity
people have to talk with each other. Their stories may change and their
willingness to cooperate with law enforcement may diminish. Ask what they
observed, what the sequence of events was, and what insights they have on the
motive or identity of the suspect.
Communicate with Officers in the Field
As you obtain information from the victim and others, relay this to the officers
who are managing the crime scene. Compare what the victim and others say
happened with what witnesses at the scene say. Are the accounts consistent?
In addition to a suspect description, the victim may give you information that can
help identify evidence that officers in the field can locate and collect.
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In the first 24 hours following the event, it is crucial to identify all persons involved
and interview each one as completely as possible. The more time passes, the
more details change or are lost and the less willing people may be to answer
questions. It is often helpful to review all the initial reports and look to see what
information may be missing or what statements are inconsistent in order to plan
the follow-up response.
SUMMARY
Person crimes, like property crimes, involve a perpetrator and a victim—but in
person crimes, the victim is injured (physically or otherwise) directly by the
offender, rather than indirectly through damage or theft of property. This fact
makes investigating person crimes more difficult, because the victim may be
traumatized, injured, or even dead.
Law enforcement officers deal with all three categories of person crimes:



crimes against life and bodily security
crimes against public health and safety
crimes against public peace and order
The first category, which includes homicide and battery, can be particularly
difficult for the investigating officer. At the one extreme, the victim may be dead,
and therefore unable to tell you anything about the crime or the offender. At the
opposite extreme, the victim may be a drunk 20-year-old college student who got
in a fight with some other drunk college students—and who may be unable to tell
you anything about the offender. In between are victims with various degrees of
injury and various degrees of trauma.
The second category includes crimes such as endangering safety by use of a
dangerous weapon and carrying a concealed weapon. In these the actor’s
conduct may not be directed at a particular person, but instead may put the
public at large at risk. Victim and suspect may not even know each other.
The third category, including disorderly conduct and harassment, cover both the
individual who is “disturbing the peace” by inappropriate conduct and the person
who is directing an offensive course of conduct at a particular person—a hated
neighbor or an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend.
For all these, the key to solving the crime and arresting (and convicting) the
offender is interviewing. Physical evidence may be important as well—especially
when the victim is dead or severely injured and unable to help the investigation—
and a later chapter discusses physical evidence collection in detail. But in most
cases, the interview with the victim and any witnesses will provide crucial
information as to the suspect’s identity, motive, and whereabouts. One of the
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most important aspects of your interview with the victim is to help develop a
chronology of the events leading up to and following the crime.
Remember as you investigate person crimes that regardless of the complexity of
the case, the steps are the same each time. With multiple victims, you just go
through them more than once. The best strategy to help the victim and locate the
perpetrator is to take your time and do a systematic and thorough investigation.
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June 2006
RESOURCES
Federal Bureau of Investigation; www.fbi.gov
Ingraham, Barton L. and Mauriello, Thomas P.; Police Investigation Handbook;
1990; Matthew Bender, New York, NY
INTERNET RESOURCES
Crimes:
www.nw3c.org
www.nctp.org
www.cybercrime.org
www.fraud.org
www.ncadv.org
General:
www.fbi.gov
www.ncjrs.org
www.usdoj.gov
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June 2006
WISCONSIN STATUTES
PROPERTY CRIMES CHAPTER 943
1. Damage
Criminal Damage to Property - § 943.01 (Misdemeanor)
 Offender caused damage to physical property. Note: damage can be
anything from mere defacement of the property to total destruction.
 Offender intentionally caused the damage.
 The property belonged to another person.
 Offender caused damage without the consent of owner.
 Offender knew that property belonged to another and that person did
not consent.
Graffiti - §943.017 (Misdemeanor or Felony)
 Offender intentionally caused damage to physical property by marking,
drawing, writing or etching on the physical property.
 The physical property belonged to another person.
 Offender caused the damage without the consent of the owner.
 Offender knew the property belonged to another and that person did
not consent.
Arson of Buildings - § 943.02 (Felony) (See also Arson of Property Other
Than a Building - § 943.03)
 Offender intentionally damaged a building (injured, charred, defaced—
also includes smoke damage).
 Offender used fire or explosives.
 Building belonged to another person.
 Offender damaged the building without the owner’s consent.
 Offender knew the building belonged to another and knew the owner
did not give consent.
Or
 Offender intentionally damaged any building by fire.
 Building belonged to another person.
 Offender damaged the building without the owner’s consent.
 Offender knew the building belonged to another and knew the owner
did not give consent.
 Offender had intent to defraud an insurer of the building.
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June 2006
2. Trespass
Burglary with Intent to Steal - § 943.10 (1) (Felony)
 Offender intentionally entered a building.
 Entry was without the consent of a person in lawful possession of the
building.
 Offender knew that the entry was without the owner’s consent.
 Offender entered building with intent to steal. Note: The intent must be
formed before the entry is made.
Entry Into Locked Vehicle - § 943.11 (Misdemeanor)
 Offender intentionally entered the locked and enclosed portion of the
vehicle of another.
 Offender did not have consent of the owner of the vehicle.
 Offender knew the vehicle belonged to another and that the entry was
without the owner’s consent.
 Offender intended to steal from the locked and enclosed compartment
of a vehicle.
Possession of Burglarious Tools - § 943.12 (Felony)
 Offender has possession of a tool or device.
 The tool or device is suitable for breaking into a building.
 Offender intended to use the tool or device to break into a building with
the intent to steal.
Entry into Locked Coin Box - § 943.125 (Misdemeanor)
 Offender intentionally entered a locked coin box of another.
 Offender did so without consent of owner.
 Offender knew coin box belonged to another and there was no
consent.
 Offender entered coin box with intent to steal.
Criminal Trespass to Dwellings - § 943.14 (Misdemeanor)
 Offender intentionally entered the dwelling of another.
 Offender entered without the consent of someone lawfully upon the
premises.
 Offender entered under circumstances tending to create or provoke a
breach of the peace.
 Offender knew entry was without consent and knew it would tend to
create or provoke a breach of peace.
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June 2006
Entry into a Locked Dwelling - § 943.15 (Misdemeanor)
 Offender entered dwelling of another (apartment, room, building or
other structure).
 Offender entered dwelling when it was locked.
 Offender entered without the consent of a person in lawful possession
of premises.
3. Misappropriation
Robbery - § 943.32 (1) (a) and (b) (Felony)
 Offender took property from the person or the presence of the owner.
 Offender took property with intent to steal.
 Offender used or threatened force with intent to overcome physical
resistance. Section 943.32 (1) (a) is robbery by the use of force.
Section 943.32 (1) (b) is robbery by the threat of force. Section 943.32
(2) is robbery by the threat or use of a dangerous weapon.
Theft - § 943.20 (1) (a) (Penalties Based on Value of Property)
 Offender intentionally took and carried away the movable property of
another.
 The owner did not consent to taking and carrying away of property.
 Offender knew that the owner did not consent.
 Offender intended to permanently deprive the owner of possession of
property.
Theft - § 943.20 (3) (e) (Felony)
 Offender intentionally took and carried a way the movable property of
another.
 Offender took property from person or corpse of another
 Owner did not consent to the taking and carrying away of such
property
 Offender knew that taking and carrying away the property was without
consent
Unauthorized Use of An Individual's Personal Identifying Information Or
Documents - 943.201 (Felony)
 Offender intentionally used or attempted to use, or possessed with
intent to use, any personal identifying information or a personal
identification document of an individual (includes deceased)
 Offender intentionally used information or documents to obtain credit,
money, goods, services, employment or anything else of value or
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benefit; or intentionally used to avoid civil or criminal process or
penalty; or to harm the reputation, property, person, or estate of the
individual
 Offender acted without the authorization or consent of individual and
knew that individual did not give authorization or consent
 Offender intentionally represented that he/she was the individual or
that he/she is acting with the authorization or consent of the individual
 Offender intentionally acted as though the information or document
belongs to him or her
Fraud on Hotel/Restaurant/Cab - §943.21 (Felony or Misdemeanor)
 Offender obtained services, beverage, food, or
lodging/accommodation.
 Offender knew they were obligated to pay.
 Offender intentional absconded without paying.
Issue Worthless Check - § 943.24 (Felony/Misdemeanor)
 Offender issued check.
 Offender intended that it not be paid.
Receiving Stolen Property - § 943.34 (Felony Or Misdemeanor)
 Offender intentionally received and concealed property.
 The property was stolen.
 Offender knew the property was stolen.
Forgery - § 943.38 (1) (Felony)
 Offender falsely made or altered a writing (includes a check) or other
object.
 The object appeared to be made by another, at another time, or by
authority of another.
 Offender had intent to defraud.
Retail Theft - §943.50 (Felony or Misdemeanor)
 Offender intentionally altered the indicated price or value of, took and
carried away, transferred, concealed, or retained possession of
property.
 The property was merchandise held for resale by merchant.
 The offender knew that the property was merchandise held for resale
by merchant.
 The merchant did not consent.
 Offender knew the merchant did not consent.
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June 2006
PERSON CRIMES CHAPTER 940
Simple Battery - §940.19 (1) (Misdemeanor)




Offender caused bodily harm
Offender intended to cause bodily harm
Victim did not consent
Offender knew victim did not consent
Substantial or Aggravated Battery - §940.19 (2) (4) (6) (Felony)
 Offender caused substantial bodily harm or great bodily harm
 Offender intended to cause bodily harm to victim or to another person
OR
 Offender's conduct created a substantial risk of great bodily harm
 Offender knew conduct created a substantial risk of great bodily harm
Simple Battery to an Unborn Child - §940.195 (1) (Misdemeanor)
 Offender caused bodily harm to an unborn child
 Offender intended to cause bodily harm to unborn child; or
 Offender intended to cause bodily harm to the woman pregnant with
the unborn child; or
 Offender intended to cause bodily harm to another person
Battery to Law Enforcement Officer/Firefighter §940.20 (2) (Felony)




Offender caused bodily harm
Offender acted intentionally
Victim was a law enforcement officer or firefighter
Victim was acting in an official capacity. (Officers and firefighters act
in an official capacity if they perform duties they are employed to
perform.)
 Offender knew or had reason to know victim was a law enforcement
officer or firefighter acting in an official capacity
Mayhem- §940.21 (Felony)
 Offender cut or mutilated a bodily member of another
 The cutting or mutilating caused great bodily harm
 Offender intended to disable or disfigure
First-Degree Reckless Injury - §940.23 (1) (a) (Felony)
 Offender committed elements of §940.23 (2) (a)
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 The circumstances of the offender’s conduct showed utter disregard
for human life
Second-Degree Reckless Injury - §940.23 (2) (a) (Felony)
 Offender caused great bodily harm
 The offender caused the great bodily by criminally reckless conduct
Injury by Negligent Handling of Dangerous Weapons, Explosives, or Fire §940.24 (Felony)
 Offender operated or handled dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire
 In a manner constituting criminal negligence
 Operation or handling caused bodily harm
Abuse of Vulnerable Adults - § 940.285 (2) (b) (Felony)
 Victim is a vulnerable adult (see definition below)
 Offender intentionally, recklessly, or negligently subjects the victim to
maltreatment , or
 The maltreatment was under circumstances that caused death, or
 The maltreatment was under circumstances that caused or were likely
to cause great bodily harm; or bodily harm under §940.285 (2) (b) 2
Abuse of Vulnerable Adults - § 940.285 (2) (b) (Misdemeanor)
 Victim is a vulnerable adult (see definition below)
 Offender recklessly or negligently subjects the victim to maltreatment,
and the maltreatment was under circumstances that caused or were
likely to cause bodily harm;
OR
 Victim is a vulnerable adult (see definition below)
 Offender intentionally, recklessly, or negligently subjects the victim to
maltreatment and the maltreatment was under circumstances that did
not cause and were not likely to cause bodily harm
False Imprisonment - §940.30 (Felony)





Offender confined or restrained victim
Offender intentionally confined or restrained victim
Confinement and restraint was without victim's consent
Offender had no lawful authority to confine or restrain victim
Offender knew such confinement or restraint was without lawful
authority
Taking a Hostage - §940.305 (2) (Felony)
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



Offender seized, constrained, or restrained victim
Offender did so without victim's consent
Offender used force or the threat of force
Offender demanded by conduct or statements that another person
perform or not perform some action
Stalking- §940.32 (Felony)
 Offender intentionally engaged in a course of conduct directed at victim
 Offender’s acts would have caused a reasonable person under the
same circumstances to fear bodily injury or death to himself or herself
or to a member of his or her household
 Offender’s acts induced fear in victim of bodily injury or death to
himself or herself or to a member of his or her household
 Offender knew or should have known that conduct placed victim in
reasonable fear of bodily injury or death of himself or herself or a
member of his or her family or household
Note: A course of conduct is defined as a series of two or more acts carried out
over time, however short or long, that show a continuity of purpose, including any
of the following:










maintaining a visual or physical proximity to the victim
approaching or confronting the victim
appearing at victim’s workplace or contacting victim’s employer or
coworkers
appearing at the victim’s home or contacting the victim’s neighbors
entering property owned, leased, or occupied by the victim
contacting victim by telephone or causing victim’s or any other person’s
telephone to ring repeatedly or continuously, regardless of whether
conversation ensues
sending material by an means to the victim or, for the purpose of obtaining
information about, disseminating information about, or communicating with
the victim, to a member of the victim’s family or household or an employer,
coworker, or friend of the victim
placing an object on or delivering an object to property owned, leased, or
occupied by victim
delivering an object to a member of victim’s family or household or an
employer, coworker, or friend of the victim or placing an object on, or
delivering an object to, property owned, leased, or occupied by such a
person with the intent that the object be delivered to the victim
causing a person to engage in any of the acts described in subs. 7 to 9
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CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY:
CHAPTER 941
Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon -§941.20 (Felony)
 Offender discharged a firearm
 Offender intentionally shot into building or vehicle
 Under the circumstances, offender should have realized a human
being might be present in building or vehicle
OR
 Offender discharged firearm from a vehicle while on a highway or in a
public parking
 Offender discharged toward another person, building, or vehicle lot
 Offender acted with purpose to discharge firearm at other person,
building, or vehicle
Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon -§ 941.20 (1)
(Misdemeanor)
 Offender operated or handled dangerous weapon
 The manner of operating or handling constituted criminal negligence
 The criminal negligence endangered safety of another person
OR
 Offender operated or went armed with firearm
 Offender was under the influence of an intoxicant when operating or
going armed with firearm
OR
 Offender pointed a firearm at or toward another human being
 Offender intentionally pointed the firearm at or toward another human
being
OR
 Offender discharged firearm
 Offender was on land belonging to someone else
 Offender was within 100 yards of a building devoted to human
occupancy and located on land of another
 Offender did not have express permission of owner or occupant of
building
Carrying a Concealed Weapon - §941.23 (Misdemeanor)
Offender went armed with a dangerous weapon-weapon must have been on
offender's person or within offender's reach.
 Offender was aware of the presence of weapon
 Weapon was concealed
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CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY:
CHAPTER 947
Disorderly Conduct - § 947.01 (Misdemeanor)
 In a public or private place
 Offender engaged in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous,
unreasonably loud, or otherwise disorderly conduct
 Offender's conduct, under the circumstances as they then existed,
tended to cause or provoke a disturbance.
Unlawful Use of a Telephone - § 947.012 (1) (a) (Misdemeanor)
 Offender made telephone call to victim
 Offender used obscene, lewd, or profane language or suggested any
lewd or lascivious act, or
 Offender did not disclose his or her identity, or
 Offender threatened to inflict injury or physical harm to any person or
the property of any person
 By making call, offender intended to frighten, intimidate, threaten,
abuse or harass
Harassment - §947.013 (1m) (a) and (1r) (Forfeiture)
 With intent to harass or intimidate another person,
 Offender struck, shoved, kicked, or otherwise subjected the person to
physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same; or
 Offender engaged in course of conduct that harassed or intimidated
victim and that served no legitimate purpose
Harassment – 947.013 (1r) (Misdemeanor)
 With intent to harass or intimidate another person,
 Offender struck, shoved, kicked, or otherwise subjected the person to
physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same; or
 Offender engaged in course of conduct that harassed or intimidated
victim and that served no legitimate purpose
AND
 Offender was subject to an order that prohibited or limited his or her
contact with victim
AND
 The act was accompanied by a credible threat that placed the victim in
reasonable fear of death or great bodily harm.
Harassment - §947.013 (1m) (b) and (1r) (Felony)
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 With intent to harass or intimidate another person,
 Offender struck, shoved, kicked, or otherwise subjected the person to
physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same; or
 Offender engaged in course of conduct that harassed or intimidated
victim and that served no legitimate purpose
AND EITHER
 Offender has a prior conviction for Harassment, or
 Offender intentionally gained access to a record in electronic format
that contains personally identifiable information regarding the victim in
order to facilitate the violation.
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June 2006
CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN CHAPTER 948
Causing Mental Harm To A Child - § 948.04 (Felony)




Offender had temporary or permanent control of the child.
Child suffered mental harm.
Offender caused the mental harm.
Offender caused such harm by conduct that demonstrated substantial
disregard for the mental well being of the child.
 Child was under 18 years of age.
Abandonment Of A Child - § 948.20 (Felony)
 Child was under the age of 18 years
 Offender left child in a place where the child may have suffered
because of neglect. (Neglect means to seriously endanger the health
or safety of a child by failing to provide necessary care, food, clothing,
medical or dental care or shelter).
 Offender intended to leave child.
Neglect - § 948.21 (Misdemeanor)
 Child was under the age of 18 years.
 Offender was responsible for the welfare of the child.
 Offender intentionally contributed to neglect of child. (Offender
purposely contributed to neglect or was aware their action was
practically certain to cause that result).
Interference with Custody Of A Child - § 948.31 (Felony)
 Child was under 18 years of age.
 Custodian had legal custody of child under a court order or judgment.
 Offender took away child from custodian without the consent of the
custodian.
 Offender intentionally took child from custodian (and knew custodian
had legal custody of child and did not give consent for child to be taken
away).
 Offender took child with intent to deprive custodian of custody rights.
Contributing To the Delinquency Of A Child - § 948.40 (Felony Or
Misdemeanor)
 Child was under 18 years of age.
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 Offender intentionally encouraged or contributed to the delinquency of
the child. (Delinquency is any violation of state criminal law by a child.
It is not required that the child did commit a crime.)
Physical Abuse of A Child - § 948.03 (Felony)
 Any physical injury
 Injury inflicted on a child
 Injury inflicted on child intentionally
Reckless Causation of Bodily Harm - § 948.03 (3) (Felony)
 Any physical injury
 Injury inflicted on a child
 Reckless causation of injury
Failing to Act to Prevent Bodily Harm - § 948.03 (4) (a) (Felony)
 Caretaker or caregiver is aware of another is causing or intends to
cause injury to a child
 Caretaker or caregiver is able to intervene and prevent injury to child
 Caretaker or caregiver fails to take action to prevent injury or risk of
injury
Sexual Assault of A Child: First Degree Sexual Assault - § 948.02(1)
(Felony)
 Sexual intercourse or sexual contact.
 Under 13 Years of Age
Second Degree Sexual Assault - § 948.02(2) (Felony)
 Sexual Intercourse or Sexual Contact
 With a Person Who Is At Least 13 But Not Yet 16 Years Of Age
Sexual Intercourse With A Child Age 16 Or Older - § 948.09 (Misdemeanor)
 Sexual Intercourse
 With Person Who Is Not The Defendant’s Spouse And Who Is At Least
16 But Not Yet 18 Years Of Age
Repeated Acts Of Sexual Assault Of A Child - § 948.025 (Felony)
 Offender committed at least three sexual assaults of a child.
 Child was under the age of 16. At the time of each act of sexual
intercourse or sexual contact.
 At least three of the assaults took place within a specified period of
time.
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June 2006
Sexual Contact - § 948.01(5)
 Intentional touching by the offender of the intimate part of the child
either directly or through the clothing. The touching can be done by
any body part or by any object, but it must be an intentional touching.
 Sexual contact is intentional touching by the child of the offender, if
offender intentionally caused or allowed the child to do that touching.
 Sexual contact also requires that the defendant acted with intent to
become sexually aroused or gratified or sexually degrade or humiliate
the child.
 Sexual contact is the intentional penile ejaculation of ejaculate or
intentional emission of urine or feces by the defendant upon any part of
the body clothed or unclothed of the child. Sexual contact also requires
that the defendant acted with intent to become sexually aroused or
gratified or sexually degrade or humiliate the child.
Sexual Assault of A Student By A School Instructional Staff Person §948.095 (Felony)
 Sexual Contact
OR
 Sexual Intercourse With Person Who Is Not The Defendant’s Spouse
And Who Is At Least 16 But Not 18 Years Of Age
 Child Is Enrolled As A Student In School Or School District
 Defendant Is Member Of School Staff Of School Or District In Which
Child Is A Student
Incest With A Child - § 948.06 (Felony)
 Marriage, or Sexual Intercourse or Sexual Contact
AND
 With A Child The Defendant Knows Is Related By Blood Or Adoption
And Relation Is Closer Than 2nd Cousin
OR
 Is a Person Responsible For The Child’s Welfare
Child Enticement - §948.07 (Felony)
 Offender caused child to go into a vehicle, building, room or secluded
place.
 Offender caused child to go into a vehicle, building, room or secluded
place with the intent to have sexual intercourse, sexual contact, have
child engage in prostitution, expose a sex organ or cause child to
expose sex organ, record the child engaging in sexually explicit
conduct, cause bodily or mental harm to the child, or giving or selling a
controlled substance to a child.
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June 2006
 Child was under the age of 18.
Use of A Computer to Facilitate A Child Sex Crime - § 948.075 (Felony)
 Offender used a computerized communication system to communicate
with an individual.
 Offender believed individual was under 16 years of age.
 Offender had intent to have sexual contact or intercourse with the
individual.
 Offender did an act, in addition to using computerized communication
system, to carry out the intent to have sexual contact or intercourse.
Exposing Genitals or Pubic Area - § 948.10 (Misdemeanor)




Offender Causes A Child To Be Expose Genitals Or Pubic Area
Offender Exposes Genitals Or Pubic Area To A Child
Purpose is for Sexual Arousal
Purposes is for Sexual Gratification
Causing A Child to View Or Listen To Sexual Activity - § 948.055 (Felony)
 Offender Intentionally Causes A Child To View Or Listen To Sexually
Explicit Conduct (actual or simulated: (a) Sexual intercourse; (b)
Bestiality; ( c) Masturbation; (d) Sexual sadism or sexual masochistic
abuse including, but not limited to, flagellation, torture or bondage; or
(e) Lewd exhibition of intimate parts. (s. 948.01(7))
 Intent of Sexually Arousing Or Gratifying the Offender
Or
 Intent to Humiliate Or Degrade the Child
Sexual Intercourse with A Child Age 16 Or Older - § 948.09 (Misdemeanor)
 Offender had sexual intercourse with a child, not the offender's spouse.
 Child was under 18 years of age.
Exposing A Child to Harmful Material - § 948.11 (Felony)
 Offender sold, rented, exhibited, played, distributed or loaned harmful
material to a child. (Material depicts nudity, sexually explicit conduct,
sadomasochistic abuse, physical torture, or brutality and it is harmful to
children.
 Offender had knowledge of the character and content of the material.
 Child was under 18 years of age.
 Offender knew child was under 18.
Possession of Child Pornography - § 948.12 (Felony)
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 Offender possesses any undeveloped film, photographic negative,
photograph, motion picture, videotape, or other recording.
 The recording showed a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
 Offender knew that the recording showed a person engaged in actual
or simulated sexual activity.
 Offender knew person depicted is under 18 years of age.
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June 2006
VIDEO LIBRARY RESOURCES
TRAINING AND STANDARDS
CRIMES
Elder Abuse: Roll USDOJ-OVC VHS, 14 min
This video uses scenarios to provide information on all the forms of elder abuse
and neglect. It also provides the line officer important information about crime
scene protocol and community resources to assist in an investigation.
Police Response to People with Disabilities USDOJ
VHS, 58 min
Holdup Alarm Response L. E. Net Volume 4, Cassette 4 VHS 1/2”, 30 min.
Although robbery calls are one of the most dangerous situations facing an officer,
they are often treated lightly because of the high number of false alarms
associated with them. This is especially true in the case of silent alarms. An
officer with a survivalist attitude will treat each call as a true alarm as if the robber
is still on the premises.
Initial Burglary Investigations
VHS 1/2”, 22 min.
This program sets down standards for making an initial burglary investigation. It
demonstrates the tactics an officer should use when approaching a burglary
scene.
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June 2006
INDEX
Arson ...................................... 12, 35
Bail Jumping ................................... 8
Burden of Proof ............................... 5
Consent .......................................... 6
Damage .................................. 11, 35
Elements of a Crime ....................... 5
Elements of Proof ........................... 5
Enticement .................................... 47
Entry ....................................... 12, 36
Graffiti ..................................... 11, 35
Incest ............................................ 47
Location .......................................... 4
Mens Rea ....................................... 6
Modus Operandi ........................... 17
National Crime Victimization
Survey .......................................... 1
Probable Cause .............................. 5
Reasonable Doubt .......................... 5
Suspect ........................................... 4
Trespass ........................... 12, 13, 36
Uniform Crime Reporting ................ 1
Victim .............................................. 4
51
June 2006