Forensic Sexual Assault Investigation Standards
Sexual assault forensic analysis standards guide sexual assault investigations, examinations and evidence collection. Since sexual assault investigations require the involvement of a range of different skilled forensic experts, equipment, and procedures, there needs to be an overarching standard guide to keep the resulting data coherent and reliable. Another major concern is the preservation of evidence for later use. In addition to these, standard guides have also been developed for the clinical psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) testing of sex offenders, dealing with the examinations themselves as well as the training and education requirements placed upon the examiner.
ASTM E2080-14
Standard Guide for Clinical Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) Examinations for Sex Offenders
1.1 This guide establishes procedures for conducting a clinical polygraph examination (CPE), to include, but not limited to, post conviction sex offender testing (PCSOT). This PDD model is specifically intended to assist in the treatment and supervision of sex offenders on probation, parole, or a deferred prosecution alternative. 1.2 This guide also applies to the conduct of clinical polygraph examinations for therapeutic purposes when requested by a presiding legal authority. 1.3 This guide directs that such examiners for this application are specifically trained in issues associated with supervision and treatment of sex offenders.
ASTM E2163-06(2014)
Standard Guide for Minimum Training Requirements for Examiners Conducting Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) Testing of Sex Offenders in Treatment, Probation or Other Similar Programs
1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training required for PDD examiners engaged in the psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) examinations for applications with individuals in treatment, or probation or parole for sex offenses.
ASTM E1843-20
Standard Guide for Sexual Violence Investigation, Examination, and Evidence Collection Protocol
1.1 This guide outlines the basic components for the development of a sexual violence investigation protocols, with specific attention to the examination of sexual violence scenes, victims and suspects of sexual violence, the recovery of testimonial, physical, and behavioral evidence, and the preservation and custody of physical evidence. 1.2 This guide outlines protocols requiring the experience of experts in a diversity of fields. A multidisciplinary team approach to sexual violence investigation is necessary and is the current standard of care. This team should include members skilled in the following disciplines: law enforcement, criminalistics, victim advocacy, and clinical, forensic practice. 1.3 This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through education, training, and experience (see Practice E2917 , Education and Training) and is to be used in conjunction with professional judgement by individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E2123-20
Standard Practice for Preservation of Evidence in Sexual Violence Investigation
1.1 This practice describes the basic considerations that will help preserve different items or types of sexual violence related evidence for subsequent analysis. This practice is designed to be used in conjunction with other specifications, guides, and practices associated with sexual violence examinations that are listed in Section 2 . 1.2 This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through education, training, and experience (see Practice E2917 , Education and Training) and is to be used in conjunction with professional judgement by individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E2124-20
Standard Specification for Equipment and Supplies in Sexual Violence Investigations
1.1 This specification describes the basic instruments used for the medical-legal examination of victims or suspects, or both, in sexual violence investigations. These specifications are designed to be used in conjunction with other specifications, guides, and practices associated with sexual violence examinations that are listed in Section 2 . 1.2 Additional information can be found in Terminology E1732 , Guide E1843 , Specifications E2057 , and Practice E2123 . 1.3 This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through education, training, and experience (see Practice E2917 , Education and Training) and is to be used in conjunction with professional judgement by individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E2057-10(2015)
Standard Specifications for Preparation of Laboratory Analysis Requests in Sexual Assault Investigations
1.1 These specifications describe the basic elements of a request for the scientific examination of physical evidence collected in the investigation of a sexual assault. These specifications are designed to be used in conjunction with other specifications, guides, and practices associated with sexual assault examinations that are listed in Section 2 . 1.2 These specifications outline considerations that will facilitate the analysis of sexual assault evidence by a potentially large group of forensic experts. These experts can include, but are not limited to, serologists, toxicologists, pathologists, odontologists, latent print examiners, firearm and toolmark examiners, and trace materials analysts. The success of their combined work generally requires a clear understanding of the issues and relationships involved in the case.
