Commission on the Standardization of the Collection of Evidence in Sexual Assault Investigations
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF JUNE 17, 2013
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF STATE'S ATTORNEY
ROCKY HILL, CONNECTICUT
In attendance: Maureen Platt, Chair, Anna Doroghazi, Marielle Daniels, Monica Polzella, Linda Cimino, Denise Covington, Candida Fusco, Michelle Noehren
The Meeting was called to order at 3:05 p.m.
The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and accepted.
Linda Cimino gave a report the report for the Bill Paying subcommittee. She reported that currently there will be a slight deficit for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2013. She reported that the changes recently made regarding the reimbursement rates for providers have greatly aided the Subcommittee in meeting its obligations.
Denise Covington gave the report on the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner/Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SAFE/SANE) program. She reported that the program is operating well and has responded to 186 cases. She reported that the total number of SANES is expected to grow to 32.
The members had a lengthy discussion regarding the advisability of changing the Technical Guidelines to deal with the examination of intoxicated or unresponsive victims. Several members expressed concern about allowing any examination for evidence without the expressed consent of the victim. Other members stated their concern regarding the loss of potential vital evidence. It was agreed that the matter will be further discussed and resolved at a special lunch meeting to be held on July 16, 2013 at 1 p.m. Members were encouraged to submit any information or ideas to all Commission members by email prior to the meeting.
Funds have become available to reproduce copies of the Technical Guidelines in August 2013. To this end, it was agreed that several other changes to the Technical Guidelines which have been discussed at prior meetings will also be discussed and voted upon at the July 16th meeting so that they may be included in the August reprint of the Guidelines. It was agreed that, if possible, members should submit any suggestions regarding changes prior to the July 16th meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m.