Techniques Used by Police in Sexual Offence Investigations

What is a ‘Pre-Text’ Call?

A ‘pre-text’ call is an investigative technique used by police in investigations for alleged sexual offences, such as sexual penetration without consent.

Police prepare the alleged victim in relation to the proposed telephone call to you, the suspect, in the following way.   They explain to the victim that they can’t take part in the call and whether they make the call or not is entirely for them and that they understand that they are not compelled or forced to make the call to the suspect.

Also, it is left entirely to the alleged victim what to say and how to say it.  No script is prepared by police, it’s simply up to that person if they wish to undertake a call to the suspect in this way, they decide what to actually say in the call.

Issues for the Suspect

The suspect will not be aware of the phone call being recorded.  The nature of what’s asked will be left entirely to the alleged victim but the sort of questions are what is set out below:

  • “why did you do that to me? I didn’t want it”; or
  • “do you remember what happened last night? Why did you do it?”.

Many people are caught off guard by a pretext call prior to being arrested/charged and appearing at our office, as a Pre-Text Call used in an investigative stage and before the suspect would be aware of a complaint having been made to police against them.

Once the call is terminated, obviously police have access to the recorded call and that can form part of the evidence against a person.

What to do in the Early Stages of an Investigation Against You

As soon as you are aware, an issue may arise in relation to the nature of sexual contact you have had with somebody, you should seek early legal advice.

Do not:

  • Answer private numbers or unsuspected calls, especially from a possible complainant;
  • Discuss any allegations or the incident generally in writing; or
  • Appease, apologise, agree, rationalise or explain if confronted with the situation.

You should contact our office for advice.