Report 2014-109 Recommendation 2 Responses

Report 2014-109: Sexual Assault Evidence Kits: Although Testing All Kits Could Benefit Sexual Assault Investigations, the Extent of the Benefits Is Unknown (Release Date: October 2014)

Recommendation #2 To: San Diego Police Department

To ensure that sexual assault evidence kits are not overlooked and the reason why they are not sent for analysis is clear, by December 1, 2014, the San Diego Police Department should adopt a policy that requires investigators to document the reason they do not submit a request for sexual assault evidence kit analysis to a crime lab.

60-Day Agency Response

All personnel assigned to the Sex Crimes Unit shall document when the decision is made to NOT submit a SART Kit for analysis by our Crime Lab or any Crime Lab. Utilizing the FileOnQ system, the assigned investigator shall notate when such a decision is made, selecting one of the following options; non investigative report, Out of Jurisdiction, recant, unfounded, VDP (victim declines prosecution)unless there is a likelihood the potential evidence is related to another investigation, and other (must indicate reason in notes).

California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Fully Implemented

All Recommendations in 2014-109

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.