University Daily Kansan
Wednesdav. August 23.1978
Local officials give advice on solving,stopping crime
By BRAD H. HAMILTON
Staff Writer
Each year more than 3,000 serious crimes are committed in the Lawrence area.
The crimes, called part one offenses, are rape, robbery, murder and manslaughter, assault and aggrigated assault, burglary, larcven and auto theft.
"There is a good chance of recovering stolen property if the victim has the serial number and a good description of the property." Lemon said.
According to Sgt. Robert Lemon of the Lawrence Police Department, many of these crimes are solved and most stolen property is recovered.
Lemon said that the biggest problem in
criminal crimes was that victims waited
to report them.
"Too many people wait," he said. "We've had people wait two or three days to report a crime and then wonder why something can't be done."
"IF THEY CALL as soon as it happens we've got a much better chance to catch the assailant because the victim's description will still apply.
"A clothing description or the way a man wears his hair can change very quickly. If he wears a beard he may shave it off or change his clothes," he said.
Lemon said that many of these crimes occur away from home and the victim often waits until he gets home to report the crime. By the time police can investigate it, an average of 15 minutes has elapsed and the criminal will be long gone.
Mike Malone, Douglas county attorney, agreed that immediate action was necessary and that calm observation of the assailant also was helpful. Malone said there were several things a crime victim could do to help prosecute the criminal.
"A VICTIM SHOULD make as full and complete a statement as possible," Malone said. "He should try to secure the area and the evidence, and his medical evidence until police arrive." he said.
An assault victim should leave physical evidence such as marks and cuts. Malone said that his office had made many conspicuous teeth marks and hair of the assailant.
After the police talk to the victim, the officer asks the office ask the victim for testimony in court.
A victim-witness program is designed to help those people who must testify. The program, run by a first-year law student, includes a mock trial in which a victim or witness may have about trials.
"The program provides a contact in our office," Malone said. "People don't know
what is expected of them so it is beneficial to us and, then to them let know what is
CHILDREN OR victims of sex offenses are put through a "dry run" in the attorney's office to acquaint them with court proceedings and possible questions.
During a lengthy trial the office tells the victim of any changes or continuities in the case. A letter is usually written to the victim's employer telling him about the case and asking for his cooperation if the victim needs time off to testify.
After the trial ends, another letter is sent to the employer to let him know what he needs to do.
In the past if property was kept for evidence it was the victim's responsibility to recover the property after the trial ended. The fact that the attorney's office has accepted that responsibility.
According to Sgt. Lemon, occasionally stolen property is recovered but never claimed because the owner has moved or cannot be notified. All of this property is sold at public city auctions held twice a year.
MALONE SAID that his office has an 85 percent conviction rate for part one of the plan.
"Crimes against people are easier to prove," he said. "Juries have little sympathy for the attacker and there are usually evennesses."
The prosecution attorney tries to get restitution for the victim as often as possible. Rescitation or "making the victim whole," is when the guilty party is ordered to pay the victim back for property damage, and it also prevents further damages. The amount of restitution and the manner of payment is determined by the judge.
"We've had consistent luck as far as restitution." Malone said. "When it is collected is up to the court. It may be collected by our office, the police, the court, the parole office or paid to the victim directly."
Once a crime has been committed, the victim may need more help than is available through the courts. Hape and other sexual problems may cause psychological problems.
KATHY HOGGARD, a counselor for the Douglas County Rape Victim Support Service, said that immediate action was necessary in rape cases.
"Because rape is a recurring crime you are really doing someone a favor by helping them," she said.
"We know that a woman who has done something either to protect herself or apprehend the assailant gets over it more quickly. This is very therapeutic," she said.
Hoggard said a woman can help prevent rage on the street by walking assertively.
the classic on-the-street assailant will ask for change, directions or for the time. If you are approached by someone the best way to get away is to show some sign of interest. The on-the-street assailant is looking for someone who is vulnerable, "she said."
HOWEVER, IF a victim is alone in a house or an area where she cannot escape or summon help she should cooperate with her attacker.
"There are some things worse than being raped. One of them is being badly beaten or killed. If you're in that situation try to remember everything about the assailant; his smell, what his hands feel like. Are they calloused or smooth? Any distinguishing features, clothes or jewelry and which woman was the first to leave are all important." Hoegard said.
In Lawrence a rape victim isn't required to make a formal report. Victims may choose to go directly to the hospital where evidence will be collected but no police report filed. The hospital will hold the evidence indefinitely in case victims who do not originally want to press charges change their minds.
VICTIMS CAN also make an informal report to the police saying that a rape has occurred but that the victim doesn't wish to press charges against the assailant.
The informal report can be used later if the same person is accused of another crime.
The Lawrence Police Department refers rape victims to the Hape Victim Support Service only if they request counseling. The service employs as many as ten counselors who can be reached by calling Headquarter number 817-3566. University Information Center at 864-3506.
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