STATE PROSECUTORS AND VICTIMS’ ADVOCATES ANNOUNCE SEX CRIMES CHANGES PRIORITIES
August 6, 2008: Attorney General William H. Sorrell, the state’s attorneys of thirteen of the state’s fourteen counties and representatives of victims’ advocacy organizations today announced their priorities for legislative and policy changes in the aftermath of the death of Brooke Bennett.
The prosecutors and victims’ advocates called for prompt policy changes and legislative action in five areas:
1. SIUs
- Expand the existence and functioning of comprehensive Sexual Offense Investigation Units to investigate sexual offense crimes in all areas of the state.
- Specially trained VSP detectives to be assigned to each of the SIUs.
2. Court Procedural Changes
- Adopt the federal rule on the admissibility of a defendant’s prior sex crimes convictions.
- Bring Vermont into line with the vast majority of states by eliminating the right to take pre-trial depositions of the victims of sexual offense crimes.
- Amend the age requirement for admissibility of prior statements of child victims of sexual offense crimes from 10 years of age at time of trial to 10 years of age at time of declaration so that delays in trial dates do not limit the use of the statements.
3. DNA Evidence
- Permit the taking of DNA samples at the time of felony arrest of an individual.
4. DOC Supervision of Sex Offenders
- Commence more intensive supervision of sex offenders on parole and probation by specially trained Corrections officers.
- To include, as appropriate: periodic polygraph exams, electronic monitoring, examination of computers and non-placement in homes with children or vulnerable adults.
5. Access to Records
- Allow law enforcement access to and use of sealed and/or expunged records pertaining to a felony suspect’s prior deferred or other sentence and/or juvenile court criminal proceedings.
- Allow law enforcement access to and use of relevant DOC and DCF records concerning a felony suspect.
The prosecutors and victims’ advocates also support the expansion and continuing improvement of effective sex crimes prevention programs for students of all ages and better training for parents and mandatory reporters of child abuse.
“Shame on us if the Brooke Bennett tragedy doesn’t lead to improvements in our laws and policies in the sex crimes area. We prosecutors are in agreement. These are our priorities. We hope our voices are heard,” said Attorney General Sorrell.
As to the prosecutors’ top priority, Windsor County State’s Attorney Robert Sand said: “Taking steps immediately through the staffing and development of SIUs is the most important and effective way to strengthen our response to sex crimes by ensuring the highest quality investigations and prosecutions statewide.”
The longest serving of the state’s prosecutors, Addison County State’s Attorney John Quinn said: “Fewer sex crimes victims will benefit all Vermonters. Law enforcement has an important role to play in this effort. These are the tools that can help us do our jobs better.”
And Chittenden County State’s Attorney T.J. Donovan said: “The issue of public safety transcends politics. Vermonters deserve to live in a safe and vibrant community. All options regarding effective public safety measures should be considered in a thoughtful and deliberate manner.”
Joining the attorney general in the statement of priorities were the state’s attorneys of Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor Counties as well as representatives of the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services, the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and Prevent Child Abuse Vermont.
Given his dual role of state’s attorney for Essex County and as a state senator who will vote on any legislative proposals, Vincent Illuzzi declined to join in the public statement of prosecutors’ priorities. “We appreciate and respect Vince’s position and look forward to working with him in the legislature,” said Attorney General Sorrell.
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