Commission on the Standardization of the Collection of Evidence in Sexual Assault Investigations
Minutes of the Meeting of March 21, 2016
Office of the Chief State's Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut
In Attendance: Maureen Platt Chair, Laura Cordes, Linda Cimino, Denise Covington, Joy Reho, Michelle Noehren
The meeting was called to order at 3:10 p.m.
The minutes for the December meeting were read and approved with one correction: The minutes should have included Laura Cordes as a member of the Standing Subcommittee on the Technical Guidelines.
Linda Cimino gave the report on the Bill Paying Subcommittee. She reported that the fund is operating within its budget and is current in its payments.
Denise Covington gave the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) report. She reported that the program has been activated 185 times within this fiscal year. Denise also stated that there are currently 42 SAFE's working in the program and that a new class of 16 is beginning on March 28, 2016.
The issue of when parental consent is required for an examination using the CT 100 was also discussed. After a motion by Laura Cordes which was seconded by Michelle Noehren, the Commission unanimously passed a revision to page 53 of the Technical Guidelines which reads:
"Adolescent Patients"
"Some minor patients while aware that the police or DCF may be called, may choose to present without their parent or guardian for an exam and evidence collection. If the patient is between 13 and 17, neither parental consent or notification is required."
A discussion was held about when sexual assault kits should be assigned a control number instead of being labeled with the patient's name. It was agreed that this issue would be discussed at the next subcommittee meeting on April 21.
Denise Covington gave the report on the Standing Subcommittee for Revisions to the Technical Guidelines. It was decided that the subcommittee should meet more frequently in order to keep up with all the many issues which frequently arise dealing with proposed changes to the Guidelines.
Joy Reho reported that the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Forensic Science Laboratory is currently storing all kits and many other times of evidence related to sexual assault cases. She stated that this may become a problem in the future since the lab may run out of space to store all of these items.
The meting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
The Commission will next meet on June 13, 2016.