>> New Law Mandates Law Enforcement Participation in FBI ’ s Violent Criminal Apprehension Program
in nature or in which the assault was committed by a stranger .
• a missing person case in which the circumstances indicate a strong possibility of foul play .
• or a case involving unidentified human remains from a known or suspected homicide .
And , the following information regarding the above investigations shall be entered in to ViCAP :
• the name and date of birth of the alleged perpetrator
• the specific crime being investigated
• description of the manner in which the crime was committed , including any pattern of conduct occurring during the course of multiple crimes suspected to have been committed by the alleged perpetrator
• any other information required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for inclusion in ViCAP .
How Does ViCAP work ? Investigators electronically enter data on their case directly into ViCAP . This includes details on the victim ( s ), type of trauma , weapons used , information about the suspect and any composite images , crime scene specifics , vehicle descriptions , modus operandi , and more . Investigators can then search ViCAP for cases across the U . S . that are similar to their case . If case similarities are found , investigators can contact ViCAP personnel at the FBI for further discussion and analysis .
Meanwhile , at the ViCAP office at Quantico , FBI analysts review all incoming cases . First , they examine each submission to ensure the quality of the data . They also provide a deeper analysis into certain cases , looking for similarities , searching other FBI and non-FBI databases , and preparing reports that offer fresh investigative leads .
The FBI ’ s ViCAP Unit is a part of the FBI ’ s Behavioral Analysis Unit . Each state has a designated representative within the Unit whose role is to provide support to local law enforcement agencies in ViCAP registration and entry .
Amy Hutsell has over 15 years ’ experience in sexual assault and child sexual abuse services . She currently is the Program Director for the Sexual Assault , Child Abuse and Human Trafficking Unit with Georgia ’ s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council . She and her team have written grants that have resulted in over $ 10,000,000 in federal assistance to Georgia . She also oversees Georgia ’ s Sexual Assault Response Team ( SART ) as well as chairs the State ’ s Sexual Assault Kit ( SAK ) workgroup and the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative ( SAKI ) Task Force .
56 SUMMER . 2021