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Sexual Assaults

Reporting a Sexual Assault to the UCLA Police Department

UCLA PD staff is skilled and experienced in working with victims of sexual assault. We know how difficult it can be to take that first step in making a report. Therefore, we work with university partners in a holistic approach to reporting, retaining services and healing. As a prompt police report may strengthen the case for prosecution, we encourage the making of timely police reports. We provide service 24 hours a day.

Most importantly, we want you to access services. You may be more comfortable beginning with other options on campus, which include, in addition to UCLA PD, contacting a CARE Advocate at (310) 206-2465, who will help navigate the process with you; the UCLA Campus Assault Response and Education (CARE) team; the UCLA Dean of Students; and UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Staff and faculty can avail themselves of the services of Staff and Faculty Counseling at 310 794-0245. Sexual harassment complaints can be made to the Sexual Harassment Prevention Office (Title IX) at (310) 206-3417. There are many reasons a survivor may delay reporting; however, it is never too late to make a report or seek help.

The Process

A police report is typically made when there is the intent to seek criminal prosecution. Survivors have the option to keep their personal information confidential. If the assault has recently occurred, UCLA PD typically takes survivors to the UCLA Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center (RTC) for forensic services and support. Going to the RTC for services is your choice. As the investigation proceeds, additional victims or witnesses may be interviewed as well as any suspects described in the report. Any evidence available at this time is gathered and preserved at the police department. The police investigation is conducted by UCLA PD detectives, who have working relationships with the District Attorney’s (DA) office that determines if a case will be prosecuted for felonies and the City Attorney’s (CA) office that makes the determination for misdemeanors. If the case is not being prosecuted the detective will communicate this information to the survivor.

If the case is filed, the victim, witnesses, and any potential suspects should expect to testify in court. There will be further coordination with the detective to prepare for testimony if needed and we will remain in regular communication until the point of sentencing.

Throughout the investigation of a case, officers shall protect the confidentiality of your information to the extent possible by law and policy. Survivors will also be informed about Restraining Orders and their options to pursue these. Victims and survivors will be provided information on their rights, how to contact police if harassment or intimidation occurs, and advised if their information is to be released. Each case is unique; as new developments occur, detectives track them in the UCPD case management system. Survivors can expect to be advised in a timely manner of changes in case status, any arrests made, and the status of any prosecution should it occur.

The investigating detective, within three days of filing a domestic/dating violence or sexual assault report, should follow up to confirm the information in the initial report. Investigating detectives are expected to maintain regular contact with the survivors to inform them of any status change to a report or status of the case.

Undecided about Prosecution

You can make a police report even if you are undecided about prosecution. Your report creates a permanent record of what occurred, including all collected evidence, and provides time to consider your next steps which may include prosecution. Even if you do not wish the case to be prosecuted, filing a report assists police to gain more knowledge of an assailant. For example, if another victim comes forward and wants to file charges against the same assailant, the police may contact you and ask you to assist in the prosecution to help secure a conviction.

However, on rare occasions due to the unique circumstances of a case, authorities may move forward with prosecution, even if the survivor is not requesting it, charging the perpetrators. Investigators will work with you in this type of occurrence.

Anonymous reporting is available through the police website and a phone line but the investigation and/or its outcome may not achieve its full extent nor allow for appropriate action. You can report to CAPS and CARE requesting confidentiality.

UCLA Police Department and Emergency Contact Numbers

On Campus: Dial 911 (from a campus phone or cell phone) or dispatch, (310) 825-1491 for nonemergencies

Off Campus: Local Police (911) or UCLA PD dispatch (310) 825-1491

Information to Know about Making a Report

  • Your personal information will be kept confidential by completing a simple form.
  • Officers understand that this is a difficult situation and want to make things as easy and comfortable as possible. Please feel free to ask a family member, friend, or Care Manager to accompany you throughout the process.
  • Police reports can be made to the UCLA police department or your local police department.
  • A UCLA PD officer can transport you to/from the Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center (reporting is not a requirement for this assistance).
  • If you are a UCLA student, faculty, or staff member and the assault took place on or near campus, we recommend you report the incident to UCLA PD to more easily benefit from the campus resources.
  • Police officers will ask you for as much detailed information about the assault and the assailant as you can provide.
  • The questions asked may be difficult to answer, but they are designed to help you accurately recall the incident. You should always feel free to ask the purpose of a question and to have the officer explain why your answers are needed.
  • Do not be afraid to say you are “not sure” or “don’t remember” in response to a question. Feel free to request an explanation if you don’t understand a question.
  • As days pass, you may remember more details about the occurrence. If this occurs, you should contact UCLA PD (detectives) (310) 825-1491 and provide them with any additional information.
  • You may be asked to sign a formal statement about the assault. Be sure to read the statement carefully and correct any errors before you sign it.
  • A copy of your report should be available a few weeks after you make the initial report. You should be given a report number at the time the report is made, and you can call UCLA PD Records (310) 825-1491 to request a copy of the report.
  • You may ask for a female officer (if available) when filing a police report.

Options for Reporting

Available Resources to Assist You Throughout the Process

Anonymous and Delayed Reports

  • An anonymous report can be made via the following web link: https://www.ucpd.ucla.edu/emergency-information/anonymous-reporting
  • It is the survivor’s choice to report the sexual assault.
  • Many sexual assault survivors do not report the offense immediately.
  • A prompt report may strengthen the case for prosecution.
  • It is never too late to make a report or to seek help from other agencies.
  • Preserve the evidence. If reporting a sexual assault immediately, it may be advantageous not to wash, bathe, brush your teeth, remove sheets or clothes, straighten up, or touch anything in the area where the assault took place.
  • UCLA PD can provide additional information and resources to help facilitate the reporting process.
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