R 292147Z JUL 14

ALCOAST 320/14
COMDTNOTE 1754
SUBJ: SAPR CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAMS (SAPR CIT)
A.  Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program, COMDTINST
M1754.10 (series)
1.  Commanding Officers must have well-coordinated professional
resources and practical tools to ensure a timely and appropriate
response to reports of sexual assault.  Victims of sexual assault
require our utmost care and support.  The chain of command must
receive timely reports to ensure accountability and necessary
oversight.  For these purposes, I am directing the use of a
coordinated team approach to manage the short-term response to
reports of sexual assault.  This approach models a best practice that
is already in existence at certain units.
2.  The SAPR Crisis Intervention Team (SAPR CIT) will expand the
existing Crisis Intervention Team concept beyond workplace violence
incidents to also respond to sexual assault incidents.  This will
help improve collaboration and response immediately following an
unrestricted report of sexual assault.  The SAPR CIT is a body that
convenes to promote communication across programs. While the
specifics of the criminal investigation will not generally be
reviewed, team members will discuss appropriate courses of actions
for each specific case and carry out those actions within their own
technical authorities and expertise in close coordination with each
other. A SAPR CIT will provide primary coordination for incident
response similar to the existing process for workplace violence
incidents.
3.  SAPR CIT Membership shall consist of the responding Sexual
Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), assigned Coast Guard
Investigative Service (CGIS) special agent, a judge advocate from the
servicing legal office, a medical representative, and senior
representatives from the victims and subjects commands.  To assist
units with implementation and use of the SAPR CIT, the Unit
Commanders Checklist for Unrestricted Reports of Sexual Assault and a
Sexual Assault (SA) Incident Reporting Template are available at
http://www.uscg.mil/sapr/sapr(underscore)command(underscore)toolkit.a
sp:
CG Form Number to be assigned.
4.  SAPR CIT Responsibilities.
     A.  Upon receiving a report of a sexual assault, the Commanding
Officer/Officer in Charge of the victims unit shall ensure a SAPR CIT
is initiated as soon as practicable, but within no more than 24
hours, or shall elevate that responsibility up the chain of command
to the next senior command.  The SAPR CIT will also assist the
command in completing the Unit Commanders Checklist for Unrestricted
Reports of Sexual Assault and the SA Incident Report.  The SA
Incident Report must be completed within 72 hours of command
notification of the report of sexual assault and delivered to the
next level in the chain of command.
     B.  Each SAPR CIT meeting shall consist of all required
representatives.  Meetings should be held in-person if possible,
unless doing so would cause undue delay, a meeting may be convened
via phone if members are unable to meet in person.  Other than
immediate and necessary actions by CGIS, decisions for pre-trial
confinement and provisions of victim support, no SAPR CIT member
shall take action prior to the initial meeting.  The SAPR CIT shall
convene:
         (1)  As soon as practicable, but no more than 24 hours,
after
an allegation of sexual assault is received.
         (2)  Following substantial developments in the case
response.
         (3)  At least monthly following the allegation of sexual
assault.
         (4)  Prior to case disposition.
         (5)  As requested by a SAPR CIT member.
Commands will determine at the initial meeting who will coordinate
future meetings of the CIT. However, commands retain responsibility
for ensuring the SAPR CIT complies with this direction.  In the event
a PCS expedited transfer for the victim is executed prior to final
case disposition, the SAPR CIT will coordinate continuing membership
responsibilities between the victims original and receiving Command,
CGIS, Legal, SARC and medical representatives covering both commands.
The Subjects Command representative at the time of the incident will
remain a participant in SAPR CIT regardless of victim transfer.
      C.  The SAPR CIT shall engage in discussion to:
          (1)  Review information that is not sensitive to the
investigation, does not violate privilege, or fall outside a members
release authority, i.e. HIPPA, and engage in open dialogue.
          (2)  Coordinate a timely response by developing an agreed
upon course of action with respect to each members corresponding
roles.
          (3)  Ensure the victims interests, subjects rights, and
investigative goals are top priorities.
          (4)  Coordinate efforts and communicate, as appropriate,
with the disposition authority.
          (5)  Assist the command in completing the Unit Commanders
Checklist for Unrestricted Reports of Sexual Assault and a SA
Incident Report in a timely manner.
5.  POC:  Ms. Shawn Wren COMDT (CG-1111), at 202-475-5163, or
Shawn.M.Wren(at)uscg.mil.
6.  VADM Peter V. Neffenger, Vice Commandant, sends.
7.  Internet Release Authorized.