A student at Lynn University in Florida is having second thoughts about a rape allegation against another student. The alleged victim said she had been drinking heavily and may have consented to the sexual encounter. Friends and family pressured her to call police, but she later said she never intended for the alleged perpetrator to be charged with rape.

The incident (from September 2015) illustrates some of the complex issues that can arise when police investigate a rape allegation. An additional complication is that the student accused of rape says that he was prevented by the University from having a lawyer. (Lynn University denies that claim.)

One element in this incident stands out, however: The police report. The officer conducted a professional investigation, interviewing the victim and four other students. (Police were not able to locate the alleged rapist during the initial investigation.) The writing is clear and free of jargon, with one exception: The repeated misuse of advise. (Said or told is preferable.)

The report (which you can read here) is worth studying if you’re a recruit or officer who wants to learn more about  conducting and documenting an investigation of an alleged sexual assault.

The news story (which you can read at this link) can also be a useful starting point for a discussion of the challenges that can arise during a rape investigation.