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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 22069: COOPERATIVE WORKING AGEEMENT WITH THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR AND THE RAPE AND SUICIDE CRISIS CENTER Ciro of urt rthitr www.PortArthurTx.gov INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Date: August 2. 2021 To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Through: Ronald Burton, City Manager From: Timothy Duriso, Chief of Police RE: PR 22069—Cooperative Working Agreement with the City of Port Arthur and the Rape and Suicide Crisis Center Introduction: The intent of this Agenda Item is to seek the City Council's approval to enter into an Cooperative Working Agreement with the Port Arthur Police Department and the Rape and Suicide Crisis Center of Southeast Texas. Background: The city of Port Arthur and the Rape and Crisis Center of Southeast Texas have worked together in the past to provide a continuum of services as needed for sexual assault survivors and other victims of crime. The City of Port Arthur would like to continue to provide those services as proof through this cooperative agreement. Those services consist of the following: • Designating a liaison to serve on the SART and to serve as the agency's contact person. • Refer sexual assault patients to the Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital SANE Team, Child Abuse & Forensic Services, Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas Beaumont or the Medical Center of Southeast Texas SANE Team, as appropriate; • Follow established protocol to notify SANE team that a sexual assault survivor is being transported; • Provide a case or incident report; • Receive forensic evidence that has been collected from the survivor and/or perpetrator; "Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur" P.O.Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743 City of ., xw „it 1< .<as www.PortArthurTx.gov • Follow law enforcement established protocol regarding evidence collection and storage; and • Maintain communication and contact with the SART and other involved agencies, including regular participation at the Southeast Texas Sexual Assault Task Force meetings. Budget Impact: N/A Recommendation: The City Council authorizes the City Manager to enter into a Cooperative Working Agreement with the Rape and Suicide Crisis Center of Southeast Texas as mentioned above. "Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur" P.O.Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743 P.R. No. 22069 JLH RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE WORKING AGREEMENT WITH THE RAPE AND CRISIS CENTER OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS AND OTHER VICTIMS OF CRIME WHEREAS, the City Manager or his designee are authorized to execute a Cooperative Working Agreement between the Port Arthur Police Department and the Rape and Suicide Crisis Center of Southeast Texas; and. WHEREAS, collaboration between several agencies provide continuous services as needed for sexual assault survivors and other victims of crime; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the citizens of Port Arthur, to authorize this Cooperative Working Agreement with the Rape and Suicide Crisis Center of Southeast Texas, in substantially the same form as attached here to as Exhibit "A" . NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR: Section 1. That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct . Section 2 . The City Council authorizes the City Manager to enter into a Cooperative Working Agreement with the Rape and Suicide Crisis Center of Southeast Texas, in substantially the same form as attached hereto as Exhibit A„ Section 3 . That a copy of the caption of this resolution shall be spread upon the Minutes of the City Council . READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED on this day of August, A.D. , 2021, at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following vote : AYES: P.R. No. 22069 JLH Mayor: Councilmembers : NOES: Thurman Bill Bartie Mayor ATTEST: Sherri Bellard City Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM: ///0/;t)C ) cif/17° Val Tizeno City Attorne APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION: Ronald Burton City Manager Exhibit "A" I 1 '1 j • Crisis Center Y* United Way 'Helping to Rebuild Hopes, Lives and Dreams" RAPE AND SUICIDE CRISIS OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS, INC. December 7, 2020 Mr. Timothy Duriso, Chief of Police P.O. Box 1089 Port Arthur, TX 77641 Dear Mr. Duriso, The Rape & Suicide Crisis Center would like to thank you for your participation in the administration of the Cooperative Working Agreement as developed by the Attorney General Office's Sexual Assault Prevention& Crisis Services Division. Enclosed you will find a copy of our current Cooperative Working Agreement. Please review the document and make any changes that might be necessary, if no changes are necessary, then sign and return as soon as possible. If changes are needed,we will adjust them upon receipt,to your specifications and they will be sent to you for final signature. Your prompt response to our request will be much appreciated. It is crucial that we have these in place to insure a continuum of services for victims of sexual assault, both primary and secondary. For your convenience, we have enclosed a self-addressed stamped envelope. You may fax this copy along with any revisions to our office at(409) 832-4324 or E-Mail us at crisiscenterofsoutheasttexasinc@gmail.com Again, thank you for your past, current and future services to sexual assault survivors and their families. Sincerely, al 7. . Cheryl Williams, Executive Director P. O. BOX 3208, BEAUMONT,TX 77704 OFFICE:409-832-6530 • FAX:409-832-4324 crisiscenterofsoutheasttxinc@gmail.com 24 HOUR HOTLINES: 1-800-7-WE-CARE • 409-835-3355 Cooperative Working Agreement 2021-2023 This working agreement is recognized as a cooperative collaboration between each agency listed below. The purpose is to provide a continuum of services as needed for sexual assault survivors and other victims of crime. The signature of each agency's representatives acknowledges proof of cooperation. Ire District Attorney's Office of iefferson County, Ty(er County, and Orange County agrees to: • Designate a liaison to serve on the Sexual Assault Response Team(SART)and to serve as the agency's contact person; • Use Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners(SANEs)as witnesses during a sexual assault trial; • Provide reasonable notification of upcoming trials to the SANE who will be called to testify; • Meet with the SANE prior to a trial to review the case; and • Maintain communication and contact with the SART and other involved agencies,including regular participation at the Southeast Texas Sexual Assault Task Force meetings. The Jefferson and Orange County Sheriffs Office gZ Police Departments of Beaumont, Groves, Nederland, Tort Arthur, `iVidor, Orange, Bridge City, Tort Neches BZ Tyler County agrees to: • Designate a liaison to serve on the SART and to serve as the agency's contact person; • Refer sexual assault patients to the CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital SANE Team,Child Abuse & Forensic Services,Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas Beaumont or the Medical Center of Southeast Texas SANE Team,as appropriate; • Follow established protocol to notify SANE team that a sexual assault survivor is being transported; • Provide a case or incident report number; • Receive forensic evidence that has been collected from the survivor and/or perpetrator; • Follow law enforcement established protocol regarding evidence collection and storage;and • Maintain communication and contact with the SART and other involved agencies,including regular participation at the Southeast Texas Sexual Assault Task Force meetings. Rape aZ Suicide Crisis of Southeast Texas, Inc. agrees to: • Designate a liaison to serve on the SART and to serve as the agency's contact person; • Refer sexual assault survivors at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital SANE Team,Child Abuse& Forensic Services,Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas Beaumont or the Medical Center of Southeast Texas SANE Team,as appropriate; • Demonstrate an average 60 minute response time from time call is received to time advocate arrives in the emergency department; • Follow established protocols with CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital,Child Abuse& Forensic Services,Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas Beaumont or the Medical Center of Southeast Texas for advocates in the examining room; • Be available for survivors of all ages,their family members and friends; • Maintain communication and contact with SART and other involved agencies,including regular participation at the Southeast Texas Sexual Assault Task Force meetings. The Garth 9fouse agrees to: • Designate a liaison to serve on the SART and to serve as the agency's contact person; • Refer child survivors of sexual assault to CHRISTUS St.Elizabeth Hospital SANE Team,Child Abuse &Forensic Services,Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas Beaumont or the Medical Center of Southeast Texas SANE Team as appropriate; • Demonstrate an average 60 minute response time from time is received to time advocate arrives in the emergency department; • Follow established protocols with CHRISTUS St.Elizabeth Hospital,Child Abuse&Forensic Services,Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas Beaumont or the Medical Center of Southeast Texas for advocates in the examining room; • Be available for survivors of all ages,their family members and friends; • Maintain communication with the SART and other involved agencies,including regular participation at the Southeast Texas Sexual Assault Task Force meetings. 'The'Teas Department of Tami y ani Trotective Services(((S)agrees to: • Designate a liaison for the SART to contact; • Refer child survivors of sexual assault to CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital SANE team,Child Abuse &Forensic Services,Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas Beaumont or the Medical Center of Southeast Texas SANE team as appropriate; • Contact Court Appointed Special Advocates liaison if child is in foster care system; • Maintain communications and contact with the SART and other involved agencies,including regular participation at the Southeast Texas Assault Task Force Meeting. MCI-Abuse (s 'Forensic Services agrees to: • Designate a liaison to serve on the SART and to serve as the agency's contact person; • Demonstrate an average sixty(60)minute response from the time of call received to time SANE arrives in Emergency Department; • Notify Rape&Suicide Crisis of Southeast Texas,Inc.that a survivor is being transported/has arrived; • Provide Rape&Suicide Crisis of Southeast Texas,Inc.the opportunity to establish a relationship with the survivor(s),if survivor agrees. This includes survivors of all ages,their family members,and friends; • Provide consistency in the sexual assault examination of survivors; • Provide consistency in the evidence collection from perpetrators; • Have sexual assault evidence collection kit available; • SANEs will provide a copy of evidence collection and/or all other documentation pertaining to sexual assault exam to law enforcement agency; • Maintain chain of forensic evidence and hand off to law enforcement agent; • Properly prepare for upcoming hearings; • Meet with District Attorney to review the case; • Maintain contact with the District Attorney's office; • Notify the District Attorney's office of address and/or telephone number changes;and • Maintain communication and contact with the SART and other involved agencies,including regular participation at the Southeast Texas Sexual Assault Task Force meetings 'The Sane'Team of S VS Jfospita(Agrees to: • Designate a liaison to serve on the SART and to serve as the agency's contact person; • Notify Rape&Suicide Crisis of Southeast Texas,Inc.that a survivor is being transported/has arrived; • Demonstrate an average sixty(60)minute response from the time of call received to time SANE arrives in Emergency Department; • If a child survivor has Court Appointed Special Advocate CHRISTUS Hospital agrees to notify Court Appointed Special Advocates of child arrival; • Provide Rape&Suicide Crisis of Southeast Texas, Inc. the opportunity to establish a relationship with the survivor(s),if survivor agrees. This includes survivors of all ages,their family members,and friends; • Provide consistency in the sexual assault examination of survivors; • Provide consistency in the evidence collection from perpetrators; • Have sexual assault evidence collection kit available; • CHRISTUS Hospital will provide a copy of evidence collection and/or all other documentation pertaining to sexual assault exam to law enforcement agency; • Maintain chain of forensic evidence and hand off to law enforcement agent; • Properly prepare for upcoming hearings; • Meet with District Attorney to review the case; • Maintain contact with the District Attorney's office; • Notify the District Attorney's office of address and/or telephone number changes;and • Maintain communication and contact with the SART and other involved agencies,including regular participation at the Southeast Texas Sexual Assault Task Force meetings. Court Appointed-Special-Advocates agree to: • Designate a liaison for the Southeast Texas Sexual Assault Task Force to contact. • Demonstrate a thirty-minute response from time of call received to time advocate arrives in emergency room. (Call is to liaison.) • Follow established protocol regarding SETX Sexual Assault Task Force for advocates in the examining room. • Be available for survivor's ages 0-17 who are already in the custody of CPS and CASA is already appointed by the courts. • The advocate arrives as soon as possible and assists the victim throughout the medical and police procedures. • With the advocate present to provide support, the forensic examiner and police will briefly confer to coordinate their questioning and reduce repetition. • Advocate will remain in the room to provide support during the exam as well, at the discretion of the patient. • The advocate will make arrangements to contact the victim for follow-up support,and legal advocacy. 9frf edica f Center of Soutfieast Texas • Designate a liaison to serve on the SART and to serve as the agency's contact person; • Notify Rape&Suicide Crisis of Southeast Texas,Inc.that a survivor is being transported/has arrived; • If a child survivor has a court appointed special advocate Medical Center of Southeast Texas agrees to notify Court Appointed Special Advocates of child arrival; • Provide Rape&Suicide Crisis of Southeast Texas,Inc.the opportunity to establish a relationship with the survivor(s),if survivor agrees. This includes survivors of all ages,their family members,and friends; • Provide consistency in the sexual assault examination of survivors; • Provide consistency in the evidence collection from perpetrators; • Have sexual assault evidence collection kit available; • Medical Center of Southeast Texas will provide a copy of evidence collection and/or all other documentation pertaining to sexual assault exam to law enforcement agency; • Maintain chain of forensic evidence and hand off to law enforcement agent; • Properly prepare for upcoming hearings; • Meet with District Attorney to review the case; • Maintain contact with the District Attorney's office; • Notify the District Attorney's office of address and/or telephone number changes;and • Maintain communication and contact with the SART and other involved agencies,including regular participation at the Southeast Texas Sexual Assault Task Force meetings. Baptist.7fospita(of Southeast Texas Beaumont • Designate a liaison to serve on the SART and to serve as the agency's contact person; • Notify Rape&Suicide Crisis of Southeast Texas,Inc.that a survivor is being transported/has arrived; • If a child survivor has court appointed special advocate Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas Beaumont agrees to notify Court Appointed Special Advocates of child arrival; • Provide Rape&Suicide Crisis of Southeast Texas,Inc.the opportunity to establish a relationship with the survivor(s),if survivor agrees. This includes survivors of all ages,their family members,and friends; • Provide consistency in the sexual assault examination of survivors; • Provide consistency in the evidence collection from perpetrators; • Have sexual assault evidence collection kit available; • Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas Beaumont will provide a copy of evidence collection and/or all other documentation pertaining to sexual assault exam to law enforcement agency; • Maintain chain of forensic evidence and hand off to law enforcement agent; • Properly prepare for upcoming hearings; • Meet with District Attorney to review the case; • Maintain contact with the District Attorney's office; • Notify the District Attorney's office of address and/or telephone number changes;and • Maintain communication and contact with the SART and other involved agencies,including regular participation at the Southeast Texas Sexual Assault Task Force meetings. Cooperative Working Agreement Signature Page WS/. Chery illiams, cutive Director Date Rape&Suicide C sis of S.E.Texas Timothy Duriso,Chief of Police Date Port Arthur Police Department