Hollywood Police Department SOP 249 Sexual Battery Investigations PDF

SOP HOLLYWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT...

SOP HOLLYWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT #249 SEXUAL BATTERY INVESTIGATIONS ORIGINATION DATE: 11/01/2001 REVISED DATE: 03/18/2024 APPROVED: CHIEF OF POLICE, JEFF DEVLIN PURPOSE: It is the purpose of this policy to reduce the incidence and severity of sexual violence by building strong cases against suspects, protecting victims of sexual violence, and providing victims with support through a combination of Law Enforcement as well as Community and Victim Services. SCOPE: This policy applies to all Members of the Department. POLICY: Sexual violence has unique and profoundly devastating effects, which Law Enforcement Officers need to consider during investigations. The emphasis of this policy is to ensure that the Law Enforcement system is more accessible and sensitive to the needs of victims of sexual violence. All victims of sexual violence need and deserve the same service and compassion, whether they are strangers to, acquaintances of, or spouses of the suspects. Provisions in this policy ensure that the Law Enforcement response to sexual violence is based on the nature of the actions taken by the perpetrator, not on the characteristics of the victim. INDEX: PROCEDURE:.............................................................................................................................................. 2 I. INITIAL RESPONSE............................................................................................................................. 2 A. FIRST MEMBER ON SCENE:................................................................................................................... 2 B. SUPERVISOR’S RESPONSIBILITY:........................................................................................................... 2 C. DETECTIVES ON SCENE:....................................................................................................................... 3 II. INVESTIGATION................................................................................................................................... 3 A. INITIAL INVESTIGATION:......................................................................................................................... 3 B. FOLLOW-UP INVESTIGATION:................................................................................................................. 3 C. INVESTIGATIVE SUPERVISOR:................................................................................................................ 4 D. WALK IN MY SHOES ACT:..................................................................................................................... 5 E. MEDICAL/COUNSELING ASSISTANCE:..................................................................................................... 5 III. ARREST PROCEDURES.................................................................................................................. 5 A. SUSPECT PRESENT:............................................................................................................................. 5 B. SUSPECT NOT PRESENT:...................................................................................................................... 5 IV. EVIDENCE COLLECTION & PRESERVATION............................................................................... 6 SOP 249 Sexual Battery Investigations Page 1 of 8  A. CRIME SCENE PROTECTION:................................................................................................................. 6 B. CRIME SCENE SECURITY:..................................................................................................................... 6 C. CRIME SCENE SECURITY STAFFING:...................................................................................................... 6 D. NANCY J. COTTERMAN CENTER:........................................................................................................... 6 V. VICTIMS ANONYMITY.......................................................................................................................... 7 A. MEMBER DISCRETION:.......................................................................................................................... 7 B. CONVERSATIONS WITH THE VICTIM:....................................................................................................... 7 C. NEIGHBORHOOD CANVASSES:............................................................................................................... 7 VI. INVESTIGATIVE ORGANIZATIONS................................................................................................. 7 A. DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES:............................................................................................... 7 B. FLORIDA ABUSE HOTLINE:..................................................................................................................... 7 C. NANCY J. COTTERMAN CENTER:........................................................................................................... 7 VII. DEFINITIONS:................................................................................................................................... 7 A. SEXUAL BATTERY:........................................................................................................................... 7 B. CONSENT:......................................................................................................................................... 7 C. V.I.N.E. FORM:................................................................................................................................... 8 PROCEDURE: I. INITIAL RESPONSE A. First Member on Scene: During every investigation concerning Sexual Battery, Officers will: 1. Assess the victim’s need for medical attention. 2. Separate victims, witnesses, and the suspect. 3. Obtain suspect information: physical description, clothing, direction of travel, time delay, and the transmission of a B.O.L.O. (Be On the Look Out Report). 4. Preserve the evidence. 5. Define the proper Florida Statute classification. (see Chapter 794 of FSS). 6. Request a Patrol Sergeant to respond. 7. Request a Crime Scene Investigator to respond. 8. Complete a priority Mobile Field Report and/or Supplements. B. Supervisor’s Responsibility: The responding Supervisor will be responsible for the following: 1. Advising the Shift Lieutenant of the incident. 2. Contacting an on-duty Detective who will respond to the scene and/or the Nancy J. Cotterman Center (SATC). 3. If a Detective is not on duty, a Detective will be called out in all cases where a victim is transported to Nancy J. Cotterman Center (SATC). SOP 249 Sexual Battery Investigations Page 2 of 8  C. Detectives on Scene: During every investigation concerning a Sexual Battery, Detectives will: 1. Ensure the victim has received medical attention if needed. 2. Ensure the crime scene and evidence is preserved. 3. Ensure the proper FSS 794 classification is used. 4. Verify statements. 5. Assist Patrol Officers on the scene, monitor their actions, and coordinate the reporting of all Officers’ involvement. 6. Complete Supplemental Reports. II. INVESTIGATION A. Initial Investigation: The responding Officer will conduct an initial investigation to determine the facts and circumstances of the crime to include: 1. The location and jurisdiction where the crime occurred. 2. The date and approximate time of the sexual battery. 3. Preservation of the crime scene to include: a. Evidence collection and b. Transporting the victim to the Nancy J. Cotterman Center (SATC). 4. The needs of the victim to include: a. The victim’s request for an Officer of the same sex. Every effort will be made to accommodate this request. b. The contact of a family member or friend. c. The response or call-out of a Victim’s Advocate. 5. Interview the victim in a neutral setting, not in the suspect’s presence. 6. If the incident involves a custodial relationship between the suspect and a child victim, or if the incident involves child on child, the Officer will: a. Contact the Florida Abuse Hotline (1-800-96ABUSE) so an Investigator from the Department of Children & Families is notified. b. Obtain a copy of DCF’s report and note the name of the Investigator if the complaint originates from DCF. NOTE: In either instance, the Officer will take the lead investigative role in the criminal investigation and allow the DCF Investigator to perform their role in the protection and welfare of the child. 7. Ensure the victim receives a copy of the Victims’ Rights Brochures. 8. Canvass the area for potential witnesses and document identification from a valid source, such as a driver’s license or picture ID card. 9. The initial responding officer will present each victim of any report related to sexual violence and lewd, lascivious acts a Confidential Notice of Release Form (see Appendix E) B. Follow-Up Investigation: The following are guidelines to be utilized when conducting follow-up investigations: 1. Review of the evidence. SOP 249 Sexual Battery Investigations Page 3 of 8  a. The assigned Detective will take possession of the sexual assault treatment kit and submit it to the Property and Evidence Unit following the exam. The kit must be submitted to the Property and Evidence Unit before being transported to the BSO Crime Lab. b. The assigned Detective will personally submit the Sexual Assault Treatment Kit to the BSO Crime Lab during their next assigned workday. c. Should the BSO Crime Lab Serologist deny the acceptance of the kit for DNA analysis, the Detective shall note the date, time, and name of the BSO Lab employee and the reason for the refusal on the BSO Evidence Submission Form. d. The Detective’s Supervisor, Unit Lieutenant, and Division Major will be notified when a refusal occurs. 2. Notify the parents of the juvenile victims. 3. Contact the victim and witnesses to: a. Verify the contents of the preliminary Incident Report. b. Determine if the victim needs additional counseling or medical services. c. Obtain any additional information and obtain statements if necessary. d. Arrange for a computer composite of the suspect. e. Afford victims and witnesses the opportunity to view photos or videos. f. Inform the victim of the purpose of submitting evidence for testing. g. Inform the victim of the right to request testing by a law enforcement agency that collects other DNA evidence associated with the sexual offense if a kit is not collected. 4. Check the surrounding area for additional witnesses and evidence. 5. Personally interview the suspect to: a. Properly identify the suspect(s) regarding race, sex, age, etc. b. Arrange for a polygraph examination of suspect(s) if applicable. 6. Check the suspect’s background, local records, criminal history, other agencies, and computer resources. 7. Case preparation for court presentation to include: a. Assisting the State Attorney’s Investigator with locating victims and witnesses. b. Reviewing statements, reports, and evidence. c. Complete the Sexual Assault Clearing House Form. C. Investigative Supervisor: The Investigative Supervisor will: 1. Develop a proactive investigative policy dealing with the timely contact of victims by investigative personnel. 2. Ensure all documents and supplemental reports are completed and prepared for filing appropriate criminal charges. 3. Ensure that the assigned Lead Investigator assembles all supplemental reports associated with the investigation for presentation to the State Attorney’s Office. 4. Ensure all investigative leads and preparations have been satisfactorily recorded and performed. 5. Ensure the Lead Investigator notifies the parents of juvenile victims. SOP 249 Sexual Battery Investigations Page 4 of 8  6. The Investigative Supervisor will provide NJCC with de-identified sex crime case information biannually (January and July) for aggregate data tracking. D. Walk In My Shoes Act: In accordance with Florida State Statute 794.052 f.s., the Lead Detective shall ensure that the victim has the opportunity to review the investigative report. The review will take place prior to the case being presented to the State Attorney. The victim will complete the Final Report Review Form (see Appendix D). The Special Victims Unit Supervisor shall review and sign the Final Report Review Form. The Detective will include language in their investigative report that this action was taken. The original form will be forwarded to the Records Section. A copy will be forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office along with the case file. E. Medical/Counseling Assistance: Though the initial investigating Officer is responsible for ensuring that the victim receives immediate medical attention, the Special Victims Unit will receive a copy of all sexual battery investigations from the Investigative Supervisor to ensure the following assistance has been provided: 1. Follow-up medical attention, if needed. 2. Crisis counseling referral. 3. Family Services referral. 4. Compensation application. 5. Cellular phone application. 6. Court Advocacy and distribution of Sexual Battery Victim’s Rights & Services Brochure (see Appendix B) 7. Women In Distress referral. 8. Field visit. 9. Crimes Compensation Information. 10. S.A.T.C. referral. 11. The obtainment of a Restraining Order (if applicable). III. ARREST PROCEDURES A. Suspect Present: Should the suspect be present upon an Officer’s arrival, the arresting Officer will take the suspect into custody if probable cause exists and 1. Not attempt to interview the suspect or read him Miranda Rights. 2. Transport the suspect to Detention or as the Lead Detective directs. 3. Ensure that a Victim Information Notification Everyday Form (V.I.N.E. form, see Appendix C) is completed and attached to the Probable Cause Affidavit. B. Suspect not Present: The investigating Detective will review the case with the Investigative Services Supervisor. If the Supervisor is satisfied with the file and all the appropriate documentation has been gathered for a successful prosecution of the suspect, the investigating Detective will forward the case to the State Attorney’s Office for prosecution. SOP 249 Sexual Battery Investigations Page 5 of 8 IV. EVIDENCE COLLECTION & PRESERVATION A. Crime Scene Protection: The first responding Officer will be responsible for assessing and protecting the crime scene. 1. A Crime Scene Investigator will be requested to respond. 2. Identify the method of entry/exit (force, via window, door, etc.) to determine the extent of the search for evidence. 3. Secure any items discarded by the suspect and protect any body fluids/trace evidence. 4. Advise the victim not to change clothes or shower. 5. Ask the victim not to smoke or eat anything. 6. Ensure that no items are removed from the scene prior to the arrival of a Detective. B. Crime Scene Security: Once an Officer is assigned responsibility for the crime scene’s security, the Officer will: 1. Only allow authorized persons to enter the crime scene. 2. Issue all entering persons a pair of latex gloves for mandatory wear while in the crime scene perimeter. Booties will be issued to all persons entering the crime scene if necessary. 3. Maintain a Crime Scene Admissions Log (see Appendix A) of all Members or any other persons (Fire Rescue, Medical Examiner, etc.) who have entered the scene. 4. Never leave the crime scene unsecured until relieved by another Officer. 5. If the crime occurred: a. Outdoors, ensure that crime scene tape is displayed around the entire scene or barriers are erected with sufficient Officers or obstacles to secure the scene and prevent intrusion. b. Indoors, ensure that appropriate barriers or Officers are posted at all building entry and exit doors. C. Crime Scene Security Staffing: The crime scene will be staffed until the Investigative Services Section clears the scene. D. Nancy J. Cotterman Center: The Officer and his Supervisor, or the responsible follow-up Detective, will determine the necessity of a forensic medical examination for evidence collection at the Nancy J. Cotterman Center. The Center is located at 2995 North Dixie Highway, Oakland Park, FL, 33334. The phone number is 954-357-5775. https://www.broward.org/NancyJCottermanCenter/Pages/Default.aspx 1. Generally, if the crime occurred within (96) hours of dispatch, forensic evidence may be present. The assigned Officer will transport the victim to SATC. If the crime occurred more than (96) hours before police involvement, the presence of evidence is less likely. The Officer and Supervisor or Detective will determine the need for a forensic examination. 2. Before transporting the victim to Nancy J. Cotterman Center, Communications will be advised to contact NJCC to inform them that the Officer and victim are enroute. a. The victim has the right to request the presence of a victim advocate during the forensic medical examination. An advocate from a certified rape crisis center will be permitted to attend any forensic medical examination. b. A family member or friend will be allowed to accompany the victim to the hospital or SATC to provide comfort, support, and possible transportation home. SOP 249 Sexual Battery Investigations Page 6 of 8  c. c. If the clothes are impounded for evidence, SATC will provide the victim with a change of clothing. V. VICTIMS ANONYMITY A. Member Discretion: All Members will make every effort to maintain the victim’s confidentiality, particularly in residential areas where the response of numerous Police units can arouse neighbors’ curiosity and bring unnecessary and unwanted attention to the victim. B. Conversations with the Victim: As few Officers as possible will converse with the victim. 1. Ideally, only the Officer taking the initial report will communicate with the victim. 2. Appropriate inquiries from other Officers, including Supervisors, should be channeled through this Officer. C. Neighborhood Canvasses: Officers who conduct neighborhood canvasses for witnesses will use great discretion. 1. Controversy over the victim’s right to anonymity versus community safety from a sexual offender can be avoided by the use of a phrase such as, “your neighbor has been robbed or burglarized” (robbery and burglary are often part of a rapist’s modus operandi). 2. The phrase “your neighbor was assaulted,” without specifically indicating that the crime had a sexual mode, can spare the victim further embarrassment and still elicit the same information, cooperation, and preventive precautions from neighbors. VI. INVESTIGATIVE ORGANIZATIONS A. Department of Children & Families: 1415 W Cypress Creek Road, Suite 100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Office: (954) 797-5299 B. Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-96ABUSE, The Department of Children and Families (DCF) C. Nancy J. Cotterman Center: Nancy J. Cotterman Center, 2995 North Dixie Highway, Oakland Park, FL, 33334 Office: (954) 357-5775 VII. DEFINITIONS: A. SEXUAL BATTERY: Oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another, or the anal or vaginal penetration of another by an object. Sexual battery does not include an act done for bona fide medical purposes. B. CONSENT: Intelligent, knowing, and voluntary consent and does not include coerced submission. Consent will not be deemed or construed to mean the failure by the alleged victim to offer physical resistance to the offender. A crime occurs when a person commits sexual battery upon a person without that person’s consent or when that person is unable to give consent or physically resist. A crime occurs when a person commits sexual battery upon a person under 12 years of age. Consent is not an issue for this violation. SOP 249 Sexual Battery Investigations Page 7 of 8  C. V.I.N.E. FORM: The Victim Information and Notification Everyday service (VINE) is a free, anonymous, computer- based telephone service that provides victims of crime with two important features: information and Notification. Information-Inmate custody information 1-800-934-6483. Notification-Callers may choose to register for an automated call when an offender is arrested, released, transferred, escapes, or dies. ATTACHMENTS: Appendix A: Crime Scene Admissions Log. Appendix B: SB Victim’s Rights & Services Brochure. Appendix C: Victim Information and Notification Everyday Form. Appendix D: Final Report Review Form Appendix E: Confidential Notice of Release Form SOP 249 Sexual Battery Investigations Page 8 of 8  Case #_____________ HOLLYWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME SCENE ADMISSION LOG Assigned Officer:__________________ Lead Detective:__________________ Date:___________ Time:____________ Location:________________________ Agency/Dept. Time Time Date Name Reason for Entry Unit/Section In Out Note: A Crime Scene Log(s) will be used at all Crime Scenes without exception. 1 249 Appendix A.  Victim Bill of Rights Victim Compensation Resources Florida Council Against Sexual Violence 1-888-956-7273 www.fcasv.org Sexual Victim Compensation 1-800-226-6667 Battery www.myfloridalegal.com Florida Department of Law Enforcement Your Rights and Services Sexual Offender/ Predator Unit 1-888-357-7332; 1-850-410-8572 You have the right to: You may be eligible for For TTY Accessibility: 1-877-414-7234 E-mail: [email protected] Obtain a forensic exam whether or not you report financial assistance for: to law enforcement Medical Care Florida Department of Corrections Have an advocate at the forensic exam with you Victim Information and Notification Everyday Have the forensic exam sent for testing within 30 Lost Income (VINE) days, if reported to law enforcement Mental health services 1-877-VINE-4-FL If you are the victim of a sexual crime, Review the law enforcement report prior to final submission www.dc.state.fl.us/oth/victasst/index.html you have certain rights. Supportive services Relocation are also available to you free of charge Be informed, present, and be heard at all crucial Florida Abuse Hotline stages of the criminal or juvenile proceeding Other expenses related to injuries as a result regardless of whether or not you continue 1-800-962-2873 Have an advocate with you during a discovery of the crime with the criminal justice process. deposition Local Rape Crisis Center Have identifying information about the criminal Contact your local certified rape Call 1-888-956-7273 to be referred investigation kept confidential crisis center for more information. to local services. Have the offender, if charged, tested for HIV and hepatitis Attend sentencing or disposition of the offender This project was supported by Grant Notification of judicial proceedings and scheduling No. 2014-WF-AX-0007 awarded by changes the Office on Violence Against Women, Notification about the release of incarcerated offender U.S. Department of Justice. The Request restitution opinions, findings, conclusions, and Give a victim impact statement recommendations expressed in this Not be subjected to a polygraph publication are those of the author(s) Take up to 3 days of leave from work (with eligible and do not necessarily reflect the views employer) Apply for an injunction if you fear for your safety or of the Department of Justice, Office on offender is nearing release Violence Against Women.  Help is Available Sexual Battery is a Crime! Forensic Exam Will I be prescribed any medication? The medical professional may provide HIV prevention medication. Also, you may be able to get emergency contraception if you are concerned about pregnancy as a result of the crime. If the medical professional is unable or unwilling to assist you, the local rape crisis center can assist you. You may be responsible for paying for medications and additional health care costs. By law, medical providers cannot charge you for an exam, even if you have insurance and even if you don’t What is a forensic exam? report the crime to law enforcement. Victims of sexual crimes need In Florida, the legal term for rape or compassion, sensitivity and empathy. The forensic exam is a head-to-toe exam to collect sexual assault is sexual battery (F.S. MYTHS/FACTS evidence and check for injuries after a sexual crime. Being the victim of a crime can be 794.011). Sexual battery means oral, MYTH: You can only be raped by a stranger. What are my rights with regard to the FACT: Most perpetrators are known to their overwhelming. Your reactions are normal. anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union exam? victim. 82% of sexual assaults were perpetrated Local certified rape crisis centers have with, the sexual organ of another or the Stop the exam at any time by a non-stranger. 47% of assaults were advocates who are there to help all anal or vaginal penetration of another by Have an advocate from a rape crisis center with committed by a friend or acquaintance. you victims, regardless of whether or not any other object, committed without your MYTH: Only women are raped. Be informed about the status of the kit during they report to law enforcement. consent. processing FACT: 1 in 5 men have been victims of a sexual crime and are eligible for services from Florida’s Services are free and confidential – What evidence is collected? Consent means intelligent, knowing, rape crisis centers. certified rape crisis centers are legally During the exam, the medical professional may collect and ethically required to protect your and voluntary consent and does not blood, urine, saliva, pubic hair combings and/or nail MYTH: I didn’t fight back so it’s not a crime. include coerced submission. Failure to samples. They may also collect items of your clothing. FACT: A perpetrator can be arrested even if you confidentiality, unless you allow, in They will ask you questions about the crime and your didn’t physically resist. Not fighting back does writing, the release of your information. offer physical resistance to the medical history in order to help them collect evidence. not imply consent! Advocates are available to: offender does not imply consent. What happens to the evidence? NATURAL REACTIONS Provide crisis intervention If you make a report to law enforcement, your kit will A person under 16 years of age There is no “right” way to feel after being Speak to you on the 24-hour hotline be sent to the regional or statewide lab within 30 assaulted. Victims experience a variety of cannot legally consent to sex. Also, a days for testing. The lab is required to process the kit Discuss your options reactions, including: within 120 days. person 24 years of age or older or a Denial Navigate available resources If you don’t report the crime to law enforcement at person in a familial or custodial Shock Go with you to appointments the time you obtain the exam, your kit will be stored anonymously. Your kit may be stored for only a Anger Address safety concerns position of authority cannot receive limited time, depending on your community’s storage Confusion Advocate on your behalf consent from 16 and 17 year old Fear space. The local rape crisis center can advise you Help you apply for victim compensation minors. about the storage timelines in your community. Anxiety  BROWARD SHERIFF’S OFFICE VICTIM NOTIFICATION Arresting Law Enforcement Officers must complete a Victim Notification Form for a victim, a victim’s If applying for a warrant, attach this form to the filing packet. appropriate next of kin, or a victim’s other designated contact, when one of the following crimes has been committed: -Homicide (Chapter 782) -Sexual Offense (Chapter 794) -Attempted Murder -Attempted Sexual Offense -Stalking (Chapter 784.048) -Dating Violence -Domestic Violence (all types resulting in injury or death) ARRESTING AGENCY ARRESTING OFFICER/ID# AGENCY CASE# NAME OF DEFENDANT (S) J/A ARREST NUMBER 1. 2. VICTIM CONTACT INFORMATION (CIRCLE ONE) VICTIM NEXT-OF-KIN DESIGNATED CONTACT NAME: ADDRESS: CITY/STATE/ZIP: COURT CASE/WARRANT# :________________________ TELEPHONE NUMBERS: TTY NUMBER (Hearing Impaired): EMAIL ADDRESS: LANGUAGE NOTIFICATION: (CHOOSE ONE) ENGLISH ____ SPANISH ____ CREOLE ____ WAIVER: ALL THE ABOVE INFORMATION MUST BE FILLED OUT EVEN IF A WAIVER IS SIGNED. WAIVER: I do not want notice when the arrestee is released from custody or at any other stage in the arrestee’s prosecution. Signature: _______________________________ Relationship ________________________ Date _________ Officer’s Signature: _____________________________ ID # _________________________ Date __________ UPON COMPLETION, THIS FORM MUST ACCOMPANY THE BOOKING PAPERWORK. IF APPLYING FOR A WARRANT/CAPIAS, ATTACH TO FILING PACKAGE. NOTE: PURSUANT TO F.S. 119, THIS FORM CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION VICTIM NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE MADE AUTOMATICALLY BY THE VINE COMPANY BASED ON INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE 1 249 Appendix C.  Original- Booking Second Copy- Victim/Relation/Designated Contact WHAT IS VINE? Victim Information and Notification Everyday VINE, which stands for Victim Information Notification Everyday, is a free, anonymous, computer-based telephone service that provides victims of crimes, as well as the public, two important features; Information and notification. INFORMATION For inmate custody information call 1-877-846-3435 and follow the prompts. VINE will quickly tell the caller if the offender is still in custody and the name of the facility where they are in custody. Victims may call VINE any time to check on an offender’s custody status. Live operator assistance is also available, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. NOTIFICATION Callers may then choose to register for an automated notification of changes that occur in an offender’s custody status. Callers simply enter the phone number including area code, where thy want to be reached. Callers will then be asked to enter a personal identification number (PIN) for use during notification. The service will automatically call when one of the above events occurs. You may register more than one phone number for notification, however each registration is separate and requires a PIN, in order to confirm that the message was received. How DO I PARTICIPATE IN THE VINE PROGRAM? If you are a victim and a suspect has been arrested in your case, then you have been automatically registered into the VINE program unless you elected to sign the waiver not to be notified. If you were not automatically registered and wish to find an inmate or register for notification, you may call the VINE hotline directly from a touch-tone phone. If you are not sure whether you are registered or your address or telephone number changes, call the VINE toll-free number to ensure your notification continues. VINE service is available in English, Spanish, and Creole. Live operator assistance is available in English and Spanish. WHAT IS A PIN? The PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a four-digit number chosen by the caller to be used to stop notification calls from VINE. Once an arrest has been made, the crime victim will automatically be registered and assigned a PIN code using the last four digits of the victim’s phone number. The victim has the option of changing their PIN at a later time. To confirm a registration or change your PIN code, call VINE and speak to an operator. Entering a PIN is the only way to confirm and stop VINE notification calls. WHAT IF I’M NOT AT HOME OR MY PHONE IS BUSY WHEN VINE CALLS? The VINE service will keep trying to reach you. If there is no answer or the line is busy, VINE will continue to call every half-hour for 48 hours. VINE will leave a message on an answering machine, but will then continue to call every 2 hours up to a 48 hour period until a PIN is entered to stop the notifications. Sine VINE calls automatically when an offender’s custody status changes, notification calls may come in the middle of the night. DOES VINE GUARANTEE MY SAFETY? No. The VINE service is designed to provide you with quick and easy access to offender information/notification, and to alert you when an offender’s custody status changes. DO NOT DEPEND SOLELY ON THE VINE SERVICE FOR YOUR SAFETY. The offender will not know you have registered with VINE. All registrations are confidential. If you feel that you may be at risk, take precautions as if the offender has already been released. WHICH OFFENDERS ARE MONITORED BY THE VINE SERVICE? Only offenders in the Florida Department of Corrections (State Prison System), the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, and Florida County jails will be included in the VINE Service, for more information, call VINE and speak to an operator. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING VINE CALL 1-877-846-3435 A SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE BROWARD SHERIFF’S OFFICE BSO RP#78 (Revised 02/22) 2 249 Appendix C.  Case #_____________ HOLLYWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT FINAL REPORT REVIEW I, __________________________________________, understand that pursuant to (Victim’s Name) 794.052 f.s., a law enforcement officer investigating an alleged sexual battery shall permit the victim to review the final report and provide a statement as to the accuracy of the report prior to its submission. On _________________, I was provided with an opportunity to review the final report of the (Date) investigation conducted by the Hollywood Police Department under the above-referenced case number and to provide a statement as to the accuracy of the report. I hereby state as follows: I have declined to review the report. I have reviewed the report and found it accurate in all material respects. I have reviewed the report and provide the following statement as to its accuracy: State of Florida: County of Broward: I hereby state under penalty of perjury that the above statement is correct and true and based upon my own personal knowledge. ____________________ (Victim's Signature) (Date) The foregoing instrument was sworn to and subscribed before me this _____ day of _________, 20_____, by ___________________________________________, who is personally known to me or who has produced the following identification: ________________________________________. ____________________________________ ___________________________________ (Officer or Notary Signature) (Title or Rank/CCN) ____________________________________ ____________________________________ (Supervisor Signature) (Title or Rank/CNN) 1 249 Appendix D.  Hollywood Police Department CONFIDENTIAL NOTICE OF RELEASE As the victim of a sexual offense, you have statutory rights to keep your identifying information confidential. Fla. Stat. Ch. 119). However, the Nancy J. Cotterman Center (NJCC), Broward County’s certified sexual assault program, has requested this incident report with your contact information to offer you services and support. Do you consent to the ________________ Police Department sharing this incident report, including your identifying information, with the Nancy J. Cotterman Center (NJCC)? YES, I do consent to release the reports, including my contact information, to the NJCC. ____ NO, I do not consent to release this report, including my contact information, to the NJCC. ___________________ ___________________ Signature Print Name Date Witnessed by: ____________________ ___________________ Signature Print Name and CCN Date 3250 Hollywood Blvd | Hollywood, Florida | 33021 | Tel: 954-967-4636 https://www.hollywood l.org/1352/Police 249 Appendix E.