LPD Sexual Assault Response Commitment

The Laramie Police Department takes any form of sexual assault, sexual contact, or other forms of sexual violence, seriously.

Our officers have been specially trained to investigate incidents of sexual violence in a manner that recognizes the effects of trauma on victims.  As a victim of sexual violence, your wellness and safety are our priority.  The LPD is committed to supporting victims throughout the investigatory process.

The Laramie Police Department is part of a community-based investigative team that includes sexual assault advocates (Albany County SAFE Project), specially trained sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs), and the Albany County Attorney’s Office.  As a team, we have collaborated in the development of interwoven protocols that ensures a coordinated response to incidents of sexual violence.

While we encourage you to make a police report, we also want you to know that we understand how difficult this might be.  Our overriding concern is that you, as a victim, understand the options available to you.  The Laramie Police Department has adopted the following commitments for victims of sexual assault:

• Your health, wellness, and safety are our first priorities.  We will assist you in arranging for medical treatment if necessary.
• We will treat you with professionalism, courtesy, sensitivity, dignity, and understanding.
• You will not be blamed for what has occurred.
• We will ensure that trained and professional advocates are with you throughout the reporting process or, if you prefer, a friend or support person can be with you at your request.

• We will meet with you privately at a time and local location of your choice to take the initial report.  If you want to confidentially discuss your case, we will provide an overview of what the investigatory process looks like and you can then decide if you want to proceed with a full investigation.
• We will fully investigate your case.  You will be kept up to date on the progress of the investigation.

• A person cannot consent to sexual activity if they are incapacitated by alcohol or other drugs.
• Prior consensual activity does not mean future consent.
• If you are unable to immediately report to the police, we are still able and committed to conduct a thorough investigation.

• If you are sexually assaulted, you may have a confidential forensic exam performed at Ivinson Memorial Hospital.  You do not have to pay for this exam.
• If you are under the age to legally consume alcohol, or if drugs were involved in your assault, the Police Department will not consider that if you have been the victim of a sexual assault.

Albany County SAFE Project – Hotline 307.745.3556

University of Wyoming STOP Violence Resource Center

Ivinson Memorial Hospital

Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network