Grand Jury

MARIN COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY 2017-2018 • OCTOBER 2018 MARIN COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT SUMMARIES 6 Recent news reports have em- phasized the importance of DNA analysis aer a sexual assault, citing a backlog of untested rape kits. In light of news coverage and new legal realities, the Marin County Civil Grand Jury decided to investigate how sexual assaults are handled. e Grand Jury learned that Marin County has taken a posi- tive direction in its handling of sexual assaults and support of victims but there are areas that need improvement. Marin County's Sexual As- sault Response Team Task Force (SART), including specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), coordi- nates and implements services to victims with the Napa Solano SANE SART organization. Exams take place at Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center. While this location is outside the Coun- ty, the Grand Jury recommends maintaining and enhancing this relationship. To address funding variations resulting from the low number of rapes per capita and the large geography serviced, the District Attorney should consider using an alternative funding structure in collaboration with Napa So- lano SANE SART. Since 2011, the backlog of sexual assault kits has been eliminated by changes in procedures and the advent of a new testing protocol. A small number of kits dated prior to 2011 remain untested. e Grand Jury recommends that agencies de- termine the number of rape kits in their evidence lockers and process any that have not been DNA tested, regardless of age, statute of limita- tions or perceived prosecutorial value. SEXUAL ASSAULT IN MARIN: Evidence Collection, Processing and Backlog RECOMMENDATIONS R1. e County's contract with the Napa Solano SANE SART should be renewed. R2. e County should investigate alternative financing in collabo- ration with Napa Solano SANE SART to address funding varia- tions. R3. Each law enforcement agency should complete an inventory of rape kits in their evidence lockers, and identify kits that have not been submitted to the California Depart- ment of Justice Crime Laboratory (CADOJ) for DNA analysis. R4. Kits that have not been DNA tested should be sent to the CADOJ Crime Laboratory for processing, regardless of statute of limitations or prosecutorial value. R5. Law enforcement agencies should have a clearly defined policy regarding retention of kits. R6. Each law enforcement agency should have a clear, publicly avail- able policy for keeping victims updated on the status of their rape kit processing and results. Video Podcast: https://goo.gl/kssMUw Photo Credit: iStockPhoto

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