CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS

HOMICIDE

To report a homicide, dial 911. The dispatcher will send a police officer to the scene immediately. Do not touch or move anything. Do not cover or move the deceased. While waiting for the police, you should write down the license plate
numbers and descriptions of any vehicles you saw leaving. Make note of any suspicious persons seen leaving the area.
When the police officers arrive, there will be a search for evidence and you will be asked to provide any information you
may have.

If you have additional information on a particular homicide, call the Investigations Division at 20

8-785-7840

SEX CRIMES

Sexual Assault: A person commits a sexual assault when they intentionally or knowingly do any of the following to
another person against that person's will:

1. Causes the sexual organ of a person to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the suspect.

2. Touches the breast or genital area of a person without their consent.

3.  Penetrates the body of another person by any means.

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF A SEXUAL ASSAULT, YOU SHOULD:

1. Report the crime as soon as possible by calling 911.

2. Recall as much as possible about the attacker.

3. Preserve all physical evidence. Do not take a bath, douche or wash or change clothes or linens. Do not touch anything handled by the attacker.

4. You may need a medical examination. The police department will pay for the exam if the victim files a police report.

5. Be sure to take clean clothing to wear after the examination. Clothing worn during the attack will be turned over to the police for laboratory analysis.

These investigations are the responsibility of the Investigators. One of the Investigative Division Detectives will contact the victim as soon as possible. 
ASSAULT

A person commits a crime of assault if he knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person. If the crime just occurred, and/or if someone requires medical assistance, call 911. If no one is injured call 785-1234.

The investigating officer will ask victims and witnesses for details of the incident. Correct information is extremely important, because it can assist in making a speedy arrest and help determine the type of criminal charges to be filed. It is important not to discuss information with other victims and witnesses, as it may alter each person's perception of what they actually saw. When the investigation is completed, the investigating officer will write a report. If an arrest is not made immediately at the scene, the case will be reviewed by the shift supervisor and charges will be filed when possible.  Our officers will do everything within the law to file charges or arrest the suspect.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

To report domestic violence, dial 911.  Police investigate all reported cases involving violence or threatened violence to you by a spouse, ex-spouse, co-habitant, sibling or other family member whether you are living together or apart. It is also a crime for any of these persons to violate the protection orders set forth in a domestic violence restraining order you have obtained and which has been legally served.

TELL THE INVESTIGATING OFFICER WHETHER:

1. You or any other resident in the house has been injured.

2. You have an active civil protection order against the person who injured you; show the officer a certified copy with proof of service.

3.  You believe you will be in danger after the investigating officers leave.

The Bingham Crisis Center offers Shelter Counseling and assistance with court proceedings on domestic violence cases. The investigating officer will offer to call the Bingham Crisis Center to help the victims of domestic violence on scene. 
24 Hr hot line 208-785-3811 Office 208-785-1047

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

1. Ask the prosecutor to follow through with full prosecution in the criminal case against the suspect.

2. Obtain a civil protection order to be served against the suspect.

3. The investigating officer may file charges against the suspect with out the victim’s cooperation to protect the victim. 
It is a criminal offense to do something that is specifically prohibited by a restraining order or to fail to perform any act that has been specifically mandated by the court's order. Before a person can be prosecuted for violating a protection order, the order must have been personally served upon the suspect, or the court must have informed him or her of its contents. Keep a certified copy of any restraining order with proof of service.

FOR ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION ABOUT CIVIL PROTECTION ORDERS CALL:

Bingham County Magistrate Clerk: 785-8040

CHILD PHYSICAL/SEX ABUSE

The Blackfoot City/Bingham County joint investigations division conducts investigations involving juvenile physical and sexual abuse cases.

A person commits child abuse if he/she causes an injury to a child's person or health or permits a child to be unreasonably placed in a situation which poses a threat of injury to the child's life or health, or they engage in a continued pattern of conduct which results in mal-nourishment, lack of proper medical care, cruel punishment, mistreatment or an accumulation of injures which ultimately results in the death or serious bodily injury of a child.

Medical examinations are necessary in physical abuse cases to determine the extent of injuries and provide expert medical verification that injures did occur. In sexual assault cases, medical attention is necessary to determine if:

1. There are any injuries to the child.

2. The assault has resulted in pregnancy or venereal disease.

3. There are physical indications to support the claim.

If the sexual assault occurred with in the past 72 hours, hospital attention should be sought quickly. Before the medical examination, do not bath or otherwise clean the victim. Be sure to bring clean clothing for the victim, as the police will keep clothing worn by the victim during the assault.

REPORTING A CHILD ABUSE

Call the Blackfoot Police at 208-785-1235 or if the crime is in progress dial 911. Persons reporting actual or suspected child abuse incidents are protected by law from civil lawsuits provided the report is made in good faith and without malicious intent. The identity of the person(s) making the report is kept confidential. It is a crime for a person to fail to report physical and/or sexual abuse on a child if that person has a professional/special relationship with the child i.e., teacher, principal, school official, doctor, medical personnel, child care provider, social worker, mental health professional.

When the police department receives a call, an officer is sent to conduct the initial investigation and check the welfare of the victim. The Investigative Division generally completes a follow-up investigation.

ROBBERY

Robbery is the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his/her will, accomplished by means of force or fear.

DURING A ROBBERY

1. Remain calm, and listen to the robber's demands. If you panic, you increase the possibility of violence.

2.  Do not resist a robber's efforts to take your property.

3.  Do not offer items that are not specifically requested.

4.  Observe the suspect's physical description.

5. Without placing yourself in danger, attempt to notice the license plate number of the suspect's car, if one is seen. 

AFTER A ROBBERY HAS OCCURRED