Explain the procedure called blind reporting. Why is it used, and how effective or ineffective has it been? What are the benefits and drawbacks of this procedure?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Blind reporting allows sexual assault victims to retain their anonymity and confidentiality while sharing critical information with law enforcement. It also permits victims to gather legal information from law enforcement without having to commit immediately to an investigation. Not all jurisdictions allow it, as the legal acceptability of blind reporting varies from state to state, and even from county to county. In jurisdictions where prosecutors accept blind report records, such records become the "founding document" in the formal sexual assault investigation should the victim decide to file a complaint and proceed with a full investigation. However, it can cause problems because of the anonymity of the victim, and because it must be maintained separate and confidential from other cases. Obviously, eventually the victim will have to be identified if prosecution continues.