HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 22536: COOPERATIVE WORKING AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR AND THE RAPE AND SUICIDE CRISIS CENTER City of
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www.PortArthurTx.gov
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Date: February 14, 2023
To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
Through: Ronald Burton, City Manager
From: Timothy W. Duriso, Chief of Pohcr--
RE: PR 22536—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 inter-
local 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
ort rthu
Te.ras
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 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. 22536
JLH 2/14/23
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER
INTO A COOPERATIVE WORKING AGREEMENT WITH THE RAPE
AND SUICIDE 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 hereto 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 . That the City Council hereby 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 March,
A.D. , 2023 , at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the
City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following vote : AYES:
Mayor:
P.R. No. 22536
JLH 2/14/23
Councilmembers :
NOES:
Thurman Bill Bartie
Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard
City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
/f12-
/ Val Tiz
City Attorney
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
Ronald Burton
City Manag
p
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";
Timothy W. i o
Chief of Po ice
P.R. No. 22536
JLH 2/14/23
EXHIBIT "A"
Cooperative Working Agreement
2023-2025
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.
The<DistrictAttorney's Office of Jefferson, Orange, (Tyr, and Hardin Counties individuaffy agree 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 Crime victims Assistance Centers of Orange andJfardin County agree to:
• 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;
• Demonstrate an average of 60 minutes response time from the time the call is received to time advocate
arrives in the emergency department,on scene,or at location with victim;
• 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,as requested;
• Maintain communication and contact with involved agencies,including,but not limited to law
enforcement,County or District courts,Justice of the Peace,the Texas Department of Family and
Protective Services,and the Garth House.
• Refer victims/survivors to nearest appropriate agencies for additional services as needed.
The Jefferson, Orange, Tyr, and.Jfardin County Sheriffs Offices Z Police Departments of Beaumont,
Groves, Nederfanc1 Port Arthur, Vidor, Orange, Bridge City, and Port Neches individuaffy agree 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(<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.
• Refer adult and adult with child to Family Services of Southeast Texas Inc.for shelter services.
• Family Services Sexual Assault Team will be a backup for medical accompaniment if Rape&Suicide
Crisis of Southeast Texas, Inc.Sexual Assault Team is unavailable.
The Garth Jfouse 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 Texas Department of'Family and Protective Services(C<PS/APS)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.
Child-Abuse t 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 C/fRISTVS.JfospitafAgrees 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 AppointedSpeciatAdvocates 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.
MedicarCenter 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 J(ospita(of Southieast'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.
F'amiCy Service of Southeast 7e.ws 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.
• Family Services Sexual Assault Team will be a backup for medical accompaniment if Rape&Suicide
Crisis of Southeast Texas, Inc.' Sexual Assault Team is unavailable.
• 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.
Cooperative Working Agreement
Signature Page
J / /7—�2—,3
Cheryl Willia ecutive Director Date
Rape&Suicide Crisis of S.E.Texas
Timothy Duriso,Chief of Police Date
Port Arthur Police Department