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  • Policy 601

    WASATCH COUNTY SHERIFF | POLICIES SCROLL DOWN Sexual Assault Investigations Policy 601 601.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the investigation of sexual assaults (Utah Code 53-24-101). These guidelines will address some of the unique aspects of such cases and the effects that these crimes have on the victims. Mandatory notifications requirements are addressed in the Child Abuse and Adult Abuse policies. 601.1.1 DEFINITIONS Definitions related to this policy include: Restricted sexual assault kit - A sexual assault kit collected from a victim who is at least 18 years old and at the time of collection declines to have the kit processed or to have the examination form shared with any entity outside of the collection facility (Utah Code 53-10-902). Sexual assault - Any crime or attempted crime of a sexual nature, to include but not limited to offenses defined in Utah Code, Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4 (Sexual Offenses). Sexual assault kit - A package of items that is used by medical personnel to gather and preserve biological and physical evidence following an allegation of sexual assault (Utah Code 53-10-902). Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) - A multidisciplinary team generally comprised of advocates; law enforcement officers; forensic medical examiners, including sexual assault forensic examiners (SAFEs) or sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) if possible; forensic laboratory personnel and prosecutors. The team is designed to coordinate a broad response to sexual assault victims. 601.2 POLICY It is the policy of the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office that its members, when responding to reports of sexual assaults, will strive to minimize the trauma experienced by the victims, and will aggressively investigate sexual assaults, pursue expeditious apprehension and conviction of perpetrators, and protect the safety of the victims and the community. 601.3 QUALIFIED INVESTIGATORS Qualified investigators should be available for assignment of sexual assault investigations. These investigators should: (a) Have specialized training in, and be familiar with, interview techniques and the medical and legal issues that are specific to sexual assault investigations. (b) Conduct follow-up interviews and investigation. (c) Present appropriate cases of alleged sexual assault to the prosecutor for review. (d) Coordinate with other enforcement agencies, social service agencies and medical personnel as needed. (e) Provide referrals to therapy services, victim advocates and support for the victim. (f) Participate in or coordinate with the SART or other multidisciplinary investigative teams as applicable. 601.4 REPORTING In all reported or suspected cases of sexual assault, a report should be written and assigned for follow-up investigation. This includes incidents in which the allegations appear unfounded or unsubstantiated. 601.5 VICTIM INTERVIEWS The primary considerations in sexual assault investigations, which begin with the initial call to 9-1-1 enter, should be the health and safety of the victim, the preservation of evidence, and preliminary interviews to determine if a crime has been committed and to attempt to identify the suspect. Whenever possible, a member of the SART should be included in the initial victim interviews. An in-depth follow-up interview should not be conducted until after the medical and forensic examinations are completed and the personal needs of the victim have been met (e.g., change of clothes, bathing). The follow-up interview may be delayed to the following day based upon the circumstances. Whenever practicable, the follow-up interview should be conducted by a qualified investigator. No opinion of whether the case is unfounded should be included in a report. Victims should not be asked or required to take a polygraph examination (34 USC § 10451). Victims should be apprised of applicable victim’s rights provisions, as outlined in the Victim and Witness Assistance Policy. 601.5.1 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES Upon written request from the victim, or his/her designee, members investigating or receiving a report of an alleged sexual assault shall inform the victim or his/her designee of the following (Utah Code 77-37-3): (a) That the victim has the right to request a test for the HIV infection. (b) Whether a DNA profile was obtained from the rape kit or other evidence in his/her case. (c) Whether that DNA profile was entered into the Utah Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). (d) Whether there is a match between that DNA profile or other crime scene evidence and a DNA profile in the Utah CODIS, unless such notice would impede or compromise an ongoing investigation. (e) That the victim has a right to designate a person to act as a recipient of the above information. 601.5.2 NOTIFICATION UPON ARREST OR ISSUANCE OF A CITATION When a deputy arrests or issues a citation to a person 18 years of age or older for a qualifying sexual offense, the deputy shall provide the individual with the written notice required by Utah Code 78B-7-802. Victims shall be provided notice in accordance with the Victim and Witness Assistance Policy. 601.6 COLLECTION AND TESTING OF BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE Whenever possible, a SART member should be involved in the collection of forensic evidence from the victim. When the facts of the case indicate that collection of biological evidence is warranted, it should be collected regardless of how much time has elapsed since the reported assault. If a drug-facilitated sexual assault is suspected, urine and blood samples should be collected from the victim as soon as practicable. Subject to the requirements set forth in this policy, biological evidence from all sexual assault cases, including cases where the suspect is known by the victim, should be submitted for testing. Victims who choose not to assist with an investigation, do not desire that the matter be investigated or wish to remain anonymous may still consent to the collection of evidence under their control. In these circumstances, the evidence should be collected and stored appropriately. 601.6.1 COLLECTION AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS Members investigating sexual assaults or handling related evidence are required to: (a) Notify the victim, or the victim's designee, if evidence will not be analyzed in a case involving an unknown perpetrator (Utah Code 77-37-3). (b) Take possession of sexual assault kits within one business day after receiving notice from a collecting facility (Utah Code 53-10-904; Utah Code 53-10-907). 1. The member taking possession of the kit should ensure that the required information is entered into the statewide sexual assault kit tracking system within five days of receiving the kit from a collection facility. (c) Transfer the kit to the appropriate law enforcement agency within 10 days in cases where the incident occurred in another jurisdiction (Utah Code 53-10-904). (d) Submit the kit to the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services within 30 days of obtaining possession of the kit except for cases involving restricted kits (Utah Code 53-10-904). 1. If available, a suspect standard or a consensual partner elimination standard shall be submitted with the sexual assault kit. 2. If not obtained until later, the standards shall be submitted as soon as possible but no later than 30 days after the Office obtained possession of the kit. 3. If the victim informs the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office that the victim wants to have the kit processed and agrees to release of the sexual assault examination form with the kit, the kit may no longer be classified as restricted and shall be submitted to the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the victim chooses to unrestrict the kit (Utah Code 53-10-904). Additional guidance regarding evidence retention and destruction is found in the Property and Evidence Policy. 601.6.2 DNA TEST RESULTS Members investigating sexual assault cases should ensure that a victim, or their designee, is notified of any DNA test results as soon as reasonably practicable (Utah Code 77-37-3). A SART member should be consulted regarding the best way to deliver biological testing results to a victim so as to minimize victim trauma, especially in cases where there has been a significant delay in getting biological testing results (e.g., delays in testing the evidence or delayed DNA databank hits). Members should make reasonable efforts to assist the victim by providing available information on local assistance programs and organizations as provided in the Victim and Witness Assistance Policy. Members investigating sexual assaults cases should ensure that DNA results are entered into databases when appropriate and as soon as practicable. 601.7 DISPOSITION OF CASES If the assigned investigator has reason to believe the case is without merit, the case may be classified as unfounded only upon review and approval of the Investigations Division supervisor. Classification of a sexual assault case as unfounded requires the Investigations Division supervisor to determine that the facts have significant irregularities with reported information and that the incident could not have happened as it was reported. When a victim has recanted his/her original statement, there must be corroborating evidence that the allegations were false or baseless (i.e., no crime occurred) before the case should be determined as unfounded. 601.8 CASE REVIEW The Investigations Division supervisor should ensure cases are reviewed on a periodic basis, at least annually, using an identified group that is independent of the investigation process. The reviews should include an analysis of: • Case dispositions. • Decisions to collect biological evidence. • Submissions of biological evidence for lab testing. The SART and/or victim advocates should be considered for involvement in this audit. Summary reports on these reviews should be forwarded through the chain of command to the Sheriff. 601.9 RELEASING INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC In cases where the perpetrator is not known to the victim, and especially if there are multiple crimes where more than one appear to be related, consideration should be given to releasing information to the public whenever there is a reasonable likelihood that doing so may result in developing helpful investigative leads. The Investigations Division supervisor should weigh the risk of alerting the suspect to the investigation with the need to protect the victim and the public, and to prevent more crimes. 601.10 PUBLIC ACCESS This policy shall be published on the Office website for public access (Utah Code 53-24-101). 601.11 TRAINING Subject to available resources, periodic training should be provided to: (a) Members who are first responders. Training should include: 1. Initial response to sexual assaults. 2. Legal issues. 3. Victim advocacy. 4. Victim’s response to trauma. (b) Qualified investigators, who should receive advanced training on additional topics. Advanced training should include: 1. Interviewing sexual assault victims. 2. SART. 3. Medical and legal aspects of sexual assault investigations. 4. Serial crimes investigations. 5. Use of community and other federal and state investigative resources, such as the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP). 6. Techniques for communicating with victims to minimize trauma. Download this Policy Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/12/12, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Wasatch County Sheriff's Office

  • Emergency Management | Wasatch Sheriff

    Emergency Management SCROLL DOWN The Emergency Management Division exists to answer the important question of “What do we do if…?” They are proactive in preparing for the worst-case scenario in any given situation to ensure an effective response. From flooding to avalanches, this department prepares for and responds to a range of issues. Our team protects communities by coordinating and integrating all activities necessary to approach an emergency effectively. We aim to build, sustain, and improve the capability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from threatened or actual events. These include natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other manmade disasters. DIVISIONS | EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Responsibilities include: 01 Oversight of the emergency operations plan 02 Training for Incident Command/Unified Command 03 ​ Coordination of resources for manmade and natural disasters 04 Cooperation with elected and senior officials to prepare for potential situations 05 Improving capabilities for all cities and towns within Wasatch County DIVISIONS | EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISIONS | EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Our team creates the framework within which communities reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with dangerous situations. A large part of our job revolves around helping the community be prepared in their own homes, schools, and workplaces. We are continually educating to help community members be more resilient in disasters. Be Ready Utah

  • Policies | Wasatch Sheriff

    SCROLL DOWN WASATCH COUNTY SHERIFF | POLICIES Policies Wasatch County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for the capture, storage, and use of digital data obtained through the use of the automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology (Utah Code 41-6a-2003). Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) Policy 427 Learn more The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the investigation of sexual assaults (Utah Code 53-24-101). These guidelines will address some of the unique aspects of such cases and the effects that these crimes have on the victims. Sexual Assault Investigations Policy 601 Learn more Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/12/12, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Wasatch County Sheriff's Office

  • Communications | Wasatch Sheriff

    Communications Division SCROLL DOWN 911 Communications assumes the essential responsibility of all emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and medical assistance. Our team receives about 10,000 emergency calls per year and is dispatches for 13 agencies. These professionals possess exceptional multitasking abilities and can tackle any incident effectively, no matter the pressure. Emergency responders often regard dispatcher as their lifeline to safety, recognizing that they will ensure the right resources are provided within a timely manner. As a caller, you can best assist our dispatchers by: 01 Providing the complete address or a detailed location description 02 Providing a phone number for the dispatcher to use in the event of a dropped call 03 Communicating the basic events and people involved in the incident 04 Being willing to answer the dispatcher’s questions After receiving this necessary information, our dispatchers send the appropriate responders to the scene. Whether you need EMS, Fire, or even Search and Rescue, they will ensure the response is accurate and timely. From there, the team will continue to stay in touch with first responders on the scene to dispatch additional resources, including helicopters, tow trucks, etc. When requested by law enforcement, they also research criminal histories and arrest warrants. They also begin the process of jail booking when a person is arrested. DIVISIONS | COMMUNICATIONS

  • Policy 427

    WASATCH COUNTY SHERIFF | POLICIES SCROLL DOWN Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) Policy 427 427.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for the capture, storage, and use of digital data obtained through the use of the automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology (Utah Code 41-6a-2003). 427.2 ADMINISTRATION The ALPR technology, also known as license plate recognition (LPR), allows for the automated detection of license plates. It is used by the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office to convert data associated with vehicle license plates for official law enforcement purposes, including identifying stolen or wanted vehicles, stolen license plates, and missing persons. It may also be used to gather information related to active warrants, homeland security, electronic surveillance, suspect interdiction, and stolen property recovery. All installation and maintenance of ALPR equipment, as well as ALPR data retention and access shall be managed by the Administration Division Commander. The Administration Division Commander will assign personnel under the Administration Division Commander's command to administer the day-to-day operation of the ALPR equipment and data. 427.2.1 SPECIAL USE PERMITS The Administration Division Commander or the authorized designee shall obtain required special use permits before installation of stationary ALPR equipment when applicable (Utah Code 41-6a-2003; Utah Code 72-1-212). 427.3 OPERATIONS Use of an ALPR is restricted to the purposes outlined below. Office personnel shall not use or allow others to use the equipment or database records for any unauthorized purpose. (a) An ALPR shall only be used for official and legitimate law enforcement business (Utah Code 41-6a-2003). (b) An ALPR may be used in conjunction with any routine patrol operation or official investigation. Reasonable suspicion or probable cause is not required before using an ALPR. (c) While an ALPR may be used to canvass license plates around any crime scene, particular consideration should be given to using ALPR-equipped vehicles to canvass areas around homicides, shootings, and other major incidents. Partial license plates reported during major crimes should be entered into the ALPR system in an attempt to identify suspect vehicles. (d) No member of this office shall operate ALPR equipment or access ALPR data without first completing office-approved training. (e) If practicable, the deputy should verify an ALPR response through the appropriate law enforcement database before taking enforcement action that is based solely upon an ALPR alert. (f) No ALPR operator may access confidential office, state, or federal data unless otherwise authorized to do so. 427.3.1 LIMITATIONS ON USE ALPR data shall only be used for the following official law enforcement business (Utah Code 41-6a-2003): (a) As part of an active criminal investigation (b) To apprehend an individual with an outstanding warrant (c) To locate a missing or endangered person (d) To locate a stolen vehicle 427.4 DATA COLLECTION AND RETENTION All data and images gathered by an ALPR are for the official use of the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office and because such data may contain confidential information, it is not open to public review. ALPR information gathered and retained by this office may be used and shared with prosecutors or others only as permitted by law (Utah Code 41-6a-2004). The Administration Division Commander is responsible for ensuring systems and processes are in place for the proper collection and retention of ALPR data. Data will be transferred from vehicles to the designated storage in accordance with office procedures. The Administration Division Commander or the authorized designee shall take steps to have all ALPR data that is not reasonably related to official law enforcement business purged in an unrecoverable manner as soon as practicable. In no event shall this data be maintained longer than nine months unless it is subject to a warrant, preservation request, or disclosure order (Utah Code 41-6a-2004). Data that will not be purged should be downloaded from the server onto portable media and booked into evidence. 427.4.1 NON-GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY ALPR ALPR data captured by a non-governmental agency device may only be obtained pursuant to a warrant or a court order (Utah Code 41-6a-2005). 427.5 ACCOUNTABILITY All data will be closely safeguarded and protected by both procedural and technological means. The Wasatch County Sheriff's Office will observe the following safeguards regarding access to and use of stored data: (a) All ALPR data downloaded to the mobile workstation and server shall be accessible only through a login/password-protected system capable of documenting all access of information by name, date, and time. (b) Members approved to access ALPR data under these guidelines are permitted to access the data for legitimate law enforcement purposes only, such as when the data relate to a specific criminal investigation or office-related civil or administrative action. (c) The number of ALPR data searches conducted by members as well as the crime type and incident numbers associated with each search shall be recorded and preserved for at least five years (Utah Code 41-6a-2005). (d) ALPR system audits should be conducted on a regular basis. 427.6 POLICY The policy of the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office is to utilize ALPR technology to capture and store digital license plate data and images while recognizing the established privacy rights of the public. All data and images gathered by the ALPR are for the official use of this office. Because such data may contain confidential information, it is not open to public review. 427.7 RELEASING ALPR DATA The ALPR data may be shared only with other law enforcement or prosecutorial agencies for official law enforcement purposes or as otherwise permitted by law, using the following procedures: (a) The agency makes a written request for the ALPR data that includes: 1. The name of the agency. 2. The name of the person requesting. 3. The intended purpose of obtaining the information. (b) The request is reviewed by the Administration Division Commander or the authorized designee and approved before the request is fulfilled. (c) The approved request is retained on file. Requests for ALPR data by non-law enforcement or non-prosecutorial agencies will be processed as provided in the Records Maintenance and Release Policy. 427.8 PUBLIC ACCESS This policy and any special use permits obtained for stationary ALPRs shall be published on the County website or on the Utah Public Notice Website if the Office does not have access to a County website (Utah Code 41-6a-2003; Utah Code 72-1-212). Download this Policy Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/12/12, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Wasatch County Sheriff's Office

  • Policy 601

    WASATCH COUNTY SHERIFF | POLICIES SCROLL DOWN Sexual Assault Investigations Policy 601 601.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the investigation of sexual assaults (Utah Code 53-24-101). These guidelines will address some of the unique aspects of such cases and the effects that these crimes have on the victims. Mandatory notifications requirements are addressed in the Child Abuse and Adult Abuse policies. 601.1.1 DEFINITIONS Definitions related to this policy include: Restricted sexual assault kit - A sexual assault kit collected from a victim who is at least 18 years old and at the time of collection declines to have the kit processed or to have the examination form shared with any entity outside of the collection facility (Utah Code 53-10-902). Sexual assault - Any crime or attempted crime of a sexual nature, to include but not limited to offenses defined in Utah Code, Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4 (Sexual Offenses). Sexual assault kit - A package of items that is used by medical personnel to gather and preserve biological and physical evidence following an allegation of sexual assault (Utah Code 53-10-902). Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) - A multidisciplinary team generally comprised of advocates; law enforcement officers; forensic medical examiners, including sexual assault forensic examiners (SAFEs) or sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) if possible; forensic laboratory personnel and prosecutors. The team is designed to coordinate a broad response to sexual assault victims. 601.2 POLICY It is the policy of the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office that its members, when responding to reports of sexual assaults, will strive to minimize the trauma experienced by the victims, and will aggressively investigate sexual assaults, pursue expeditious apprehension and conviction of perpetrators, and protect the safety of the victims and the community. 601.3 QUALIFIED INVESTIGATORS Qualified investigators should be available for assignment of sexual assault investigations. These investigators should: (a) Have specialized training in, and be familiar with, interview techniques and the medical and legal issues that are specific to sexual assault investigations. (b) Conduct follow-up interviews and investigation. (c) Present appropriate cases of alleged sexual assault to the prosecutor for review. (d) Coordinate with other enforcement agencies, social service agencies and medical personnel as needed. (e) Provide referrals to therapy services, victim advocates and support for the victim. (f) Participate in or coordinate with the SART or other multidisciplinary investigative teams as applicable. 601.4 REPORTING In all reported or suspected cases of sexual assault, a report should be written and assigned for follow-up investigation. This includes incidents in which the allegations appear unfounded or unsubstantiated. 601.5 VICTIM INTERVIEWS The primary considerations in sexual assault investigations, which begin with the initial call to 9-1-1 enter, should be the health and safety of the victim, the preservation of evidence, and preliminary interviews to determine if a crime has been committed and to attempt to identify the suspect. Whenever possible, a member of the SART should be included in the initial victim interviews. An in-depth follow-up interview should not be conducted until after the medical and forensic examinations are completed and the personal needs of the victim have been met (e.g., change of clothes, bathing). The follow-up interview may be delayed to the following day based upon the circumstances. Whenever practicable, the follow-up interview should be conducted by a qualified investigator. No opinion of whether the case is unfounded should be included in a report. Victims should not be asked or required to take a polygraph examination (34 USC § 10451). Victims should be apprised of applicable victim’s rights provisions, as outlined in the Victim and Witness Assistance Policy. 601.5.1 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES Upon written request from the victim, or his/her designee, members investigating or receiving a report of an alleged sexual assault shall inform the victim or his/her designee of the following (Utah Code 77-37-3): (a) That the victim has the right to request a test for the HIV infection. (b) Whether a DNA profile was obtained from the rape kit or other evidence in his/her case. (c) Whether that DNA profile was entered into the Utah Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). (d) Whether there is a match between that DNA profile or other crime scene evidence and a DNA profile in the Utah CODIS, unless such notice would impede or compromise an ongoing investigation. (e) That the victim has a right to designate a person to act as a recipient of the above information. 601.5.2 NOTIFICATION UPON ARREST OR ISSUANCE OF A CITATION When a deputy arrests or issues a citation to a person 18 years of age or older for a qualifying sexual offense, the deputy shall provide the individual with the written notice required by Utah Code 78B-7-802. Victims shall be provided notice in accordance with the Victim and Witness Assistance Policy. 601.6 COLLECTION AND TESTING OF BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE Whenever possible, a SART member should be involved in the collection of forensic evidence from the victim. When the facts of the case indicate that collection of biological evidence is warranted, it should be collected regardless of how much time has elapsed since the reported assault. If a drug-facilitated sexual assault is suspected, urine and blood samples should be collected from the victim as soon as practicable. Subject to the requirements set forth in this policy, biological evidence from all sexual assault cases, including cases where the suspect is known by the victim, should be submitted for testing. Victims who choose not to assist with an investigation, do not desire that the matter be investigated or wish to remain anonymous may still consent to the collection of evidence under their control. In these circumstances, the evidence should be collected and stored appropriately. 601.6.1 COLLECTION AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS Members investigating sexual assaults or handling related evidence are required to: (a) Notify the victim, or the victim's designee, if evidence will not be analyzed in a case involving an unknown perpetrator (Utah Code 77-37-3). (b) Take possession of sexual assault kits within one business day after receiving notice from a collecting facility (Utah Code 53-10-904; Utah Code 53-10-907). 1. The member taking possession of the kit should ensure that the required information is entered into the statewide sexual assault kit tracking system within five days of receiving the kit from a collection facility. (c) Transfer the kit to the appropriate law enforcement agency within 10 days in cases where the incident occurred in another jurisdiction (Utah Code 53-10-904). (d) Submit the kit to the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services within 30 days of obtaining possession of the kit except for cases involving restricted kits (Utah Code 53-10-904). 1. If available, a suspect standard or a consensual partner elimination standard shall be submitted with the sexual assault kit. 2. If not obtained until later, the standards shall be submitted as soon as possible but no later than 30 days after the Office obtained possession of the kit. 3. If the victim informs the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office that the victim wants to have the kit processed and agrees to release of the sexual assault examination form with the kit, the kit may no longer be classified as restricted and shall be submitted to the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the victim chooses to unrestrict the kit (Utah Code 53-10-904). Additional guidance regarding evidence retention and destruction is found in the Property and Evidence Policy. 601.6.2 DNA TEST RESULTS Members investigating sexual assault cases should ensure that a victim, or their designee, is notified of any DNA test results as soon as reasonably practicable (Utah Code 77-37-3). A SART member should be consulted regarding the best way to deliver biological testing results to a victim so as to minimize victim trauma, especially in cases where there has been a significant delay in getting biological testing results (e.g., delays in testing the evidence or delayed DNA databank hits). Members should make reasonable efforts to assist the victim by providing available information on local assistance programs and organizations as provided in the Victim and Witness Assistance Policy. Members investigating sexual assaults cases should ensure that DNA results are entered into databases when appropriate and as soon as practicable. 601.7 DISPOSITION OF CASES If the assigned investigator has reason to believe the case is without merit, the case may be classified as unfounded only upon review and approval of the Investigations Division supervisor. Classification of a sexual assault case as unfounded requires the Investigations Division supervisor to determine that the facts have significant irregularities with reported information and that the incident could not have happened as it was reported. When a victim has recanted his/her original statement, there must be corroborating evidence that the allegations were false or baseless (i.e., no crime occurred) before the case should be determined as unfounded. 601.8 CASE REVIEW The Investigations Division supervisor should ensure cases are reviewed on a periodic basis, at least annually, using an identified group that is independent of the investigation process. The reviews should include an analysis of: • Case dispositions. • Decisions to collect biological evidence. • Submissions of biological evidence for lab testing. The SART and/or victim advocates should be considered for involvement in this audit. Summary reports on these reviews should be forwarded through the chain of command to the Sheriff. 601.9 RELEASING INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC In cases where the perpetrator is not known to the victim, and especially if there are multiple crimes where more than one appear to be related, consideration should be given to releasing information to the public whenever there is a reasonable likelihood that doing so may result in developing helpful investigative leads. The Investigations Division supervisor should weigh the risk of alerting the suspect to the investigation with the need to protect the victim and the public, and to prevent more crimes. 601.10 PUBLIC ACCESS This policy shall be published on the Office website for public access (Utah Code 53-24-101). 601.11 TRAINING Subject to available resources, periodic training should be provided to: (a) Members who are first responders. Training should include: 1. Initial response to sexual assaults. 2. Legal issues. 3. Victim advocacy. 4. Victim’s response to trauma. (b) Qualified investigators, who should receive advanced training on additional topics. Advanced training should include: 1. Interviewing sexual assault victims. 2. SART. 3. Medical and legal aspects of sexual assault investigations. 4. Serial crimes investigations. 5. Use of community and other federal and state investigative resources, such as the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP). 6. Techniques for communicating with victims to minimize trauma. Download this Policy Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/12/12, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Wasatch County Sheriff's Office

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