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LAW ENFORCEMENT

Law enforcement in Albany County is trained to help with cases of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. You may choose to report fully to law enforcement, do a non-investigative report, or to get their assistance finding safety.

domestic violence

Whether you call 911 for an active assault occurring or just if you feel unsafe and need help before you or a loved one is hurt, these are some things to know:
 

  • Each call is different and can be handled in various ways.

    • Call and leave the phone on.

      • If you call 911 and set your phone down, the dispatch can hear what is happening and send law enforcement to your residence, notifying officers along the way of what they can hear in the background

      • Law enforcement is trained to not implicate any member of the household as the source of the call

      • This is the most discreet way to receive help and gain safety
         

  • Questions likely to be asked from the 911 operator include:

    • Who is in the house?

    • Are there children present?

    • Does the abuser have any weapons or access to weapons, not just firearms?

    • Are you safe? Are you able to get to safety? Can you lock yourself in a bathroom or get to a neighbor?
       

  • “I don’t feel safe here”

    • An officer will facilitate the separation to get you to a safe location

    • They can provide a ride to take you to a friend or family member

    • There are anonymous motels you can be taken to which are FREE to stay the night.

    • You may be taken to SAFE project or have a SAFE advocate come to your aide.
       

  • An arrest may be made if physical evidence of abuse is visually present.

    • Bruising, even a reddish discoloration of the skin

    • Scratches

    • Torn clothing

sexual assault

If you decide to report to the Laramie Police Department, an officer will meet you to discuss what has happened. When the officer arrives they will begin collecting information:
 

  • Do you need medical attention?
     

  • Would you like a SAFE Project advocate present for any reason? Maybe you don't feel comfortable with the officer or maybe you would like initial guidance through the process.
     

  • Trying to gather information about what happened is key if they can locate a perpetrator quickly.
     

  • All of this is recorded on a body camera which can be used later for accurate reporting of the incident.

 

You have options at this point:
 

  • If you would like to go to the ER for a sexual assault examination by a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) to be performed, click HERE for information on what to expect from this process at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. 
     

  • You may opt to go home and speak with the officer in greater detail at a later time.
     

  • You may want to call SAFE Project for further support or options. 
     

  • Studies have shown that immediate memory recollection of a traumatic event is not always accurate. Officers have been trained to investigate sexual violence in a manner that recognizes the effects of trauma on victims.
     

  • The victim is in full control of this interview. The interview could be at the police station, at your house, you may have a SAFE advocate present.
     

  • Advocates are available to you right from the start of the investigation, and throughout the entire process to assist you with helpful information. You may wish to receive information regarding your case status, victim's rights, crime victim compensation, navigation of the criminal justice system, or referrals to the organizations or other appropriate community resources according to your specific needs.
     

  • If charges are being filed, the Victim Witness Program, services offered through the City of Laramie, are there to guide you through the entire legal process.

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