Ashland Police Department

A message from the Ashland Police Chief Tighe O’Meara:

The Ashland Police Department’s participation in the You Have Options Program is our commitment to sexual assault victims that they will not only be heard, but also have their individual concerns addressed during both the reporting and investigative process. The person who committed the sexual assault is solely responsible for that assault and one of our jobs as law enforcement officers is to gather evidence that will allow that offender to be held accountable for his/her crimes. Our officers and detectives receive advanced training on trauma interviewing and investigative strategies to identify serial sexual perpetrators to assist us in that goal. None of that work can begin without a sexual assault victim reporting.

We sincerely appreciate every victim of sexual assault who begins the process of reporting their experience at our department. We understand that every victim of sexual assault will have unique concerns during the reporting process and will work with each victim to address those concerns. No one at the Ashland Police Department expects any sexual assault victim to make a decision regarding their participation in a criminal investigation when they initially report. At the Ashland Police Department sexual assault victims are given the time they need to make the decisions right for them, regardless of the criminal investigation. Priority is always given to a sexual assault victim’s physical safety and mental well being.

I hope that those considering reporting will take a moment to read about the 20 Elements of a Victim-Centered and Offender-Focused You Have Options Program Law Enforcement Response. Outlined within those elements are options for reporting at the Ashland Police Department. Our officers and investigators are always available to speak with if there are questions about the reporting or investigative process. There is no requirement to provide any identifying information to get answers and we will work to find a sexual assault advocate and medical care even if the person reporting never intends to file a police report.

Respectfully,
Tighe O’Meara