004 - 01 SEXUAL ASSAULT EXAMS FOR CSEC
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
BUREAU ORDER
Human Trafficking Task Force
BUREAU ORDER NUMBER: 4-01 January 9, 2023
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Effective Date: |
01/09/2023 |
Last Date Revised: |
01/09/2023 |
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Last Date Reviewed: |
01/09/2023 |
Next Review Date: |
01/09/2023 |
SEXUAL ASSAULT EXAMINATIONS FOR COMMERCIALLY, SEXUALLY EXPLOITED CHILDREN (CSEC)
PURPOSE
The Special Victims Bureau (SVB), Human Trafficking Taskforce (HTTF), investigates cases involving commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC). Force, fear, and fraud are typically used to coerce the victims to engage in sexual acts. The purpose of this order is to establish a consistent response in facilitating sexual assault response team (SART) examinations and gathering related evidence.
GUIDELINES
When any member of the HTTF initially contacts a victim of commercial sex trafficking, the detective shall assess the need for emergency medical attention. In the case of a juvenile victim CSEC, if the victim was sexually assaulted within the previous 96-hours, the victim shall be transported to the nearest county contracted hospital for an acute sexual assault examination. During this examination, laboratory specimens will be obtained by the hospital staff in the manner prescribed for completing the Department’s sexual assault evidence kits. If the sexual assault occurred more than 96-hours prior, the detective shall make arrangements for the child to receive a non-acute sexual assault examination at a county contracted hospital. During business hours, detectives are encouraged to utilize the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Medical Center Hub (1721 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, 90059; 424-338-2900), for acute and non-acute sexual assault examinations. At MLK, a CSEC trained staff can provide a Sexual Assault examination, as well as a standard medical examination as part of the First Responder Protocol.
Family Code section 6927 states that any minor, age 12 or over, can refuse or elect to receive a medical examination or any other treatment. All examination and treatment must be performed within the protocols as set forth in Penal Code section 13823.11.
This unit order shall not override MPP Section 5-09/350.05, Responsibilities of Station/Unit Personnel and Responding Deputies on Rape and Sexual Assault Cases.
Reviewed and approved by:
______________________________
Richard Ruiz, Captain
Special Victims Bureau
Human Trafficking Task Force