HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/24/2024 STUDY SESSION AGENDA PACKET______________________________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL 345 6th Street, Suite 100, Bremerton, WA 98337 Phone (360) 473-5280
* * * A M E N D E D * * *
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024
CITY COUNCIL HYBRID STUDY SESSION AGENDA
Starting at 5:00 PM in Council Conference Room 603
Council Conference Room 603 will be open to the public to attend the Study Session in-person, but there will
be no opportunities for input. However, public questions or comments may be submitted at any time to
City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us. Please remember that the content of the Agenda Bill items is subject to
change; and no action at the Study Session is anticipated. If approved by the Council, these items will be
placed on the May 1, 2024 City Council Meeting Agenda, or as indicated…
Members of the public may click the link below to join the webinar:
https://bremertonwa-gov.zoom.us/j/8738266756?pwd=ZWlMVnVYbFBHYjY5U1RJUmFreDFXUT09
Or One tap mobile:
US: +12532050468,,87318266756#,,,,*857582# or +12532158782,,87318266756#,,,,*857582#
Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 253
205 0468 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 444 9171 or +1 669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 873 1826 6756
Passcode: 857582
A. INFORMATION ONLY
1. Update on Commonstreet and Homelessness Outreach – Police Captain Aaron Elton; and
Brendan Perko and Trisha Munson with Commonstreet Consulting
B. BRIEFINGS ON AGENDA BILL ITEMS
1. Confirm Reappointment of Jay Montgomery to the BKAT Citizens Advisory Committee
2. Confirm Reappointment of Sheldon Parr to the BKAT Citizens Advisory Committee
3. Memorandum of Understanding Agreement for Kitsap Special Assault Investigations and
Victim’s Services
4. Appointments to Committees to Write Statements “For” and “Against” EMS Levy Item added
C. GENERAL COUNCIL BUSINESS
1. 2024 – 2025 Council Goals & Priorities Action Steps Discussion – Council President Jennifer
Chamberlin
2. Public Works Committee Briefing (Last Meeting 4/16/2024) – Chair Jane Rebelowski
3. Audit Committee Briefing (Last Meeting 4/22/2024) – Chair Anna Mockler
4. Finance, Investment, & Parking Committee Briefing (Last Meeting 4/23/2024) – Chair Michael
Goodnow
5. Regional and Other Committee/Board Briefings
6. Other General Council Business (As necessary, and as time allows…)
D. ADJOURNMENT OF STUDY SESSION
Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations provided upon request. Those requiring special accommodations
should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (360) 473-5323 at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
Form Created 5/4/15
INFORMATION ONLY ITEM
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY: This will be an update to the council about the efforts Commonstreet has made
performing outreach and connecting people to resources since we initiated the year-long agreement
with them last January.
SUBJECT: Update on Commonstreet and
Homelessness Outreach
Study Session Date: April 24, 2024
Presenter: Capt Aaron Elton
Phone: 360 473 5978
HANDOUTS: Power Point Updated 4/24/24 4:52 PM
A1
Homelessness Response Property Management
City of Bremerton
Expectations
Serve as a "HUB" for the wheel of City stakeholders
Outreach & Engagement
Site Monitoring & Maintenance
Code Enforcement Issues
Private Property Owners
Police Department / Navigation Team
Public Works
Tracking & Documentation
Partnerships
1.) Northwest Hospitality
Anton Preisinger
2.) Bremerton Housing Authority
Leif Wagner & Katy Sharp
3.) HEN / CCS
Kati Knudsen
4.) Benedict House / CCS
Joseph Cross-Graves
5.) Salvation Army
Eric Harrold & Captains Dana and Lance Walters
6.) Kitsap Community Resources
Ali Moyer, Jenny Bulyar & Misty Rogers
7.) Kitsap Mental Health
Amanda Williford, Jenna Vylidahl, Heather
8.) REAL Team- Recovery, Empowerment,
Advocacy and Linkage
Vernalisa Colon, Jenny & Chris
9.) Coffee Oasis
Esther Wyant
10.) Samish Tribal Center
Francisco Ocampo
11.) Rock The Block
Kelsey Steadman & Dawn Michele Wilson
12.) God’s Broken Home University
Outreach team
13.) Pendleton Place through Kitsap Mental Health
Cameron Collins
14.) Kitsap Housing and Homeless Coalition
15. ) Eagles Wings Coordinated Care
Michelle Fleetwood
QUESTIONS ?
AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Confirm Reappointment of Jay
Montgomery to the BKAT Citizens Advisory
Committee
Study Session Date: April 24, 2024
COUNCIL MEETING Date: May 1, 2024
Department: Executive
Presenter: Mayor Wheeler
Phone: (360) 473-5266
SUMMARY: The Mayor is seeking confirmation for the reappointment of Jay Montgomery to the
Bremerton Kitsap Access Television (BKAT) Citizens Advisory Committee for the position of
Educational Representative. The term expires December 31, 2025.
ATTACHMENTS: Application for City Board/Commissions/Committee – Jay Montgomery
FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): None.
STUDY SESSION AGENDA: ☒ Limited Presentation ☐ Full Presentation
STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☐ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move to confirm the reappointment of Jay Montgomery to the Bremerton Kitsap Access Television
(BKAT) Citizens Advisory Committee for the term expiring December 31, 2025.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action
Form Updated 01/02/2018
B1
1
Jennifer Hayes
Subject:FW: Online Form Submittal: Application for City Boards / Commissions / Committee
From: noreply@civicplus.com <noreply@civicplus.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 7, 2024 7:46 PM
To: WebMaster <WebMaster@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Jennifer
Hayes <Jennifer.Hayes@ci.bremerton.wa.us>
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Application for City Boards / Commissions / Committee
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize
the sender and know the content is safe.
Application for City Boards / Commissions / Committee
Date 4/7/2024
First Name Jay
Middle Name Lloyd
Last Name Montgomery
Home Phone
Address1
Address2 Field not completed.
City Bremerton
State WA
Zip 98312
Occupation Teacher
Employer Bremerton School District
Work Address1 1500 13th Street
Work Address2 Field not completed.
City Bremerton
State WA
Zip 98383
Work Phone 3604730955
2
Fax Field not completed.
Email jay.montgomery@bremertonschools.org
Education Television Broadcast Engineering - Bates Technical College
1984-86
Portland Community College - Intro to Business, Accounting
Career and Technical Education Teacher Prep - Bates
Technical College 2010-12
Local References Ryan Nickels - Principal, Bremerton High School (360) 473-
0800
Colleen Miko - Public Access Manager BKAT (360) 473-5014
I am interested in serving: Public Access Citizens Advisory Committee (Bremerton Kitsap
Access Television/BKAT)
Is this an application for
reappointment?
Yes
If yes, how many years have
you served on this
commission or committee?
Over 5 years
How long have you lived in
Bremerton
Over 7 years
Why are you applying for
this appointment?
To remain involved in the community, to help Bremerton grow
in a positive manner and to continue the work we started on the
BKAT advisory committee.
Which of your personal and
/ or professional interests
prompted you to apply for
this appointment?
Years of working in television production and teaching video
production at Bremerton High School have lead me to be
involved in the advisory committee.
Have you ever served on
any other Bremerton board,
commission, committee or
task force? If yes, please
list.
Yes, BKAT advisory.
Please list your
qualifications for this
appointment (include skills,
activities, training,
education):
My qualifications include; being a graduate of Bates Technical
College in Television Broadcast Engineering, having worked as
a studio engineer and editor at KGW-TV in Portland, OR from
1986-1993, plus I worked at Seattle Post/Rocket Pictures in
Seattle from 1993-2000, owned and operated my own video
production company from 2000-2009, and have been a high
school video and media production teacher from 2009-present
3
and still freelance on the side. Additionally, I have been a
member of BKAT's advisory committee for a number of years.
What are your community
interests (committee,
organizations, special
activities)?
My other community volunteer involvement includes being the
current Olympic College Digital Filmmaking advisory board
chair and a board member of the Semancik Foundation (a non-
profit scholarship foundation for Bremerton students).
Please list any
accommodations you need
to perform volunteer
duties:
No accommodations will be necessary.
We welcome your willingness to serve Bremerton.
Pursuant to the Washington Public Disclosure Act, (RCW 42.56), this form
constitutes a public record and is subject to public release upon request. Prior to
release, the following information may be redacted pursuant to RCW 42.56.250(3):
Residential addresses, residential telephone numbers, personal wireless telephone
numbers, personal electronic mail addresses, social security numbers, driver’s
license numbers, identicard numbers, and emergency contact information of
employees or volunteers of a public agency, and the names, dates of birth,
residential addresses, residential telephone numbers, personal wireless telephone
numbers, personal electronic mail addresses, social security numbers, and
emergency contact information of dependents of employees or volunteers of a
public agency.
Applicants are considered for appointment without regard to race, color, religion,
gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, marital or
veteran status, or the presence of any disability.
Updated 3/24/2020
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AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Confirm Reappointment of
Sheldon Parr to the BKAT Citizens Advisory
Committee
Study Session Date: April 24, 2024
COUNCIL MEETING Date: May 1, 2024
Department: Executive
Presenter: Mayor Wheeler
Phone: (360) 473-5266
SUMMARY: The Mayor is seeking confirmation for the reappointment of Sheldon Parr to the
Bremerton Kitsap Access Television (BKAT) Citizens Advisory Committee for the position of
Community Member/BKAT user. The term expires December 31, 2025.
ATTACHMENTS: Application for City Board/Commissions/Committee – Sheldon Parr
FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): None.
STUDY SESSION AGENDA: ☒ Limited Presentation ☐ Full Presentation
STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☐ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move to confirm the reappointment of Sheldon Parr to the Bremerton Kitsap Access Television
(BKAT) Citizens Advisory Committee for the term expiring December 31, 2025.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action
Form Updated 01/02/2018
B2
Application For City Boards/ Commissions/ Committee -Mayor Appointed
(Please type or print clearly)
Date: '( J 8 J2 :/
J I
Name: S }'1 e / <:Jc 1,,-\ R ir Ir Home Phone: _______ ..:...... _______________ _
FIRST MIDDLE LAST
Home Address:
NUMBER STREET
Ere h-1e :r; 1-. w4
STATE J ·z,r CITY
·1~ -j--:-,-\ Occupation: < (:'_-J 1 r e. c..i Employer:
Work Address:
NUMBER STREET CITI STATE ZIP
Work Phone: ( ) Fax: ......._ __ .,___ ____ _ .......,__..,_)----E-Mail:
Local References (names and phone numbers):
R 6.. I-, d7' He,.. r c) I?, 'r -~ ."5 GO
I am interested in serving (please check one or more):
0 ADA Committee
0 Arts Commission
0 Bremerton Housing Authority
0 Citizen's Commission on Council Salaries
0 Civil Service Commission ( 18 yrs. or older)
0 Community Development Block Grant Advis01y
Board 0 Complete Streets Committee
0 Design Review Board
·7-, i :,,,)
I V? ·iJrafr#°" Q> Tll r;'oJuXoY\
D Ferry Advisory Committee
D Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
0 Parks and Recreation Commission
0 _J?.l-a.nning Commission (18 yrs. or older)
(kl/' Public Access Citizens Advisory Committee
(Breme1ton Kitsap Access Television/BKA T)
D Tree Committee
0 Other: _____________ _
How long have you lived in Bremerton? 0 ~,F o. vi d; Ci t-, ~ o r C l \/ e..u. y s
Is this an application for reappointment? -7"9-+-~-5-· -~'---~----~------7 ----~~-----
lf yes, how many years have you served on this commission/committee? ?
Ci{l' Appoimment Application
Pagel of2
Rei·. llf.!023
Why are you applying for this appointment? D J. ) , -,. a -r ?-c 6 /1-cn:SS Tri T& },e,,Jp St.Aflf'orTTf.-1e._ TtA ... 0 1c.:.._ po>/" 11(!.)l-'\ Please list any accommodations you need to perform volunteer duties: We welcome your willingness to serve Bremerton. For more information on the above, please contact the Mayor's Office at (360) 473-5266, FAX (360) 473-5883 or via email at jennifer.hayes@ci.brerncrton.wa.us. For inquiries on City Council applications for the Audit Committee, please see the fom1 "Ci1y Boards/Commissions/Committees -City Council Appointed" or contact the City Council office at (360) 360-473-5280 or email City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us. Pursuant to the Washington Public Disclosure Act. (RCW 42.56), this form constitutes a public record and is subject to public release upon request. Prior to release, the following information may be redacted pursuant to RCW 42.56.250(3): Residential addresses, residential telephone numbers, personal wireless telephone numbers, personal electronic mail addresses, social security numbers, driver's license numbers, identicard numbers, and emergency contact infonnation of employees or volunteers of a public agency, and the names, dates of birth, residential addresses, residential telephone numbers, personal wireless telephone numbers, personal electronic mail addresses, social security numbers, and emergency contact information of dependents of employees or volunteers of a public agency. Applicants are considered for appointment without regard to race, color, religion, gender; national origin, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, marital or veteran status, or the presence of any disability. C//_v Appumtmenl Appbcatiu11 Page 2 of2 Ri:,.·.111.202.3
AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Study Session Date: April 24, 2024
Memorandum of Understanding
Agreement for Kitsap Special
Assault Investigations and Victim’s Services
COUNCIL MEETING Date: May 1, 2024
Department: Police
Presenter: Ryan Heffernan
Phone: 360.473.5777
SUMMARY: Local law enforcement agencies to improve services for victims of domestic and sexual
abuse, improve the quality of criminal investigations by streamlining contacts with the victim,
coordinate investigative needs, make more efficient use of limited resources, and establish a joint
fundraising support network
ATTACHMENTS: Amended and Restated Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Kitsap Special
Assault Investigations and Victim’s Services (Kitsap S.A.I.V.S.)
FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): No increase or decrease to the budget of a
member agency shall occur without approval of the governing authority of the member agency.
STUDY SESSION AGENDA: ☒ Limited Presentation ☐ Full Presentation
STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☐ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for Kitsap Special Assault Investigations and
Victims Services; and authorize the Mayor to finalize and execute the agreement with substantially
the same terms and conditions as presented.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action
Form Updated 01/02/2018
B3
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 1
THE KITSAP COUNTY SPECIAL ASSAULT
INVESTIGATION PROTOCOL
The purpose of the Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol is to set forth
minimum standards and procedures to follow in the investigation of child death, child sexual
and physical abuse and criminal neglect allegations, online sexual exploitation, adult sexual
abuse allegations and domestic violence, human trafficking (including commercial sexual
exploitation of minors), and crimes against vulnerable adults, including financial exploitation1.
Though ideally these standards would be applied in all domestic violence investigations, it is
acknowledged that the volume of cases reported and the significant time investment inherent in
such investigations may limit their application to felony level domestic violence allegations or
cases involving significant risk of infliction of serious bodily injury.
This protocol is not intended as legal authority for the admissibility or non-
admissibility of evidence developed in the course of an investigation. These protocol should not
be used as the basis for the dismissal of any criminal charges arising from a report of child
death, child sexual or physical abuse or criminal neglect, online sexual exploitation, adult
sexual abuse or domestic violence, human trafficking (including commercial sexual
exploitation of minors), or crimes against vulnerable adults, including financial exploitation.
Similarly, this protocol should not be used as the basis of any civil claims stemming from a
deviation from the guidelines set forth herein.
This protocol shall be reviewed every other year, prior to the end of each calendar year
by the board of Kitsap S.A.I.V.S (Special Assault Investigations and Victim’s Services). Any
proposed changes will be submitted to the prosecuting attorney for approval.
1 For purposes of these protocol, “Vulnerable Adult” means a person eighteen years of age or older who presents
as a vulnerable adult by virtue of developmental disability, cognitive disability, advanced age, mental illness,
and/or physical disability.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 2
Table of Contents
I. MISSION STATEMENT ............................................................................... 3
II. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY ............................................................. 3
III. DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................. 4
IV. AGENCY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................. 6
V. SUSPECT AND WITNESS INTERVIEWS .................................................23
VI. VICTIM INTERVIEWS AND METHODS OF DOCUMENTATION FOR
CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS ..........................................................23
VII. TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS OF INTERVIEWERS AND MULTI-
DISCIPLINARY TEAM MEMBERS .......................................................................28
VIII. MEDICAL EVALUATION, EVIDENCE AND TREATMENT ...................29
IX. VICTIM ADVOCATES ..............................................................................37
X. CASE REVIEW ..........................................................................................38
XI. INFORMATION SHARING .......................................................................42
XII. METHODS OF PROTECTING CHILD AND ADULT VICTIMS DURING
AN INVESTIGATION .............................................................................................42
XIII. CASE TRACKING AND CLOSURE ..........................................................43
XIV. COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT ...................................................................45
XV. CHILD FOCUSED SETTING ...................................................................45
XVI. HUMAN TRAFFICKING/COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION ...45
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 3
I. MISSION STATEMENT
It is the mission of all key participants involved in the investigation and prosecution of child
death, child sexual and physical abuse cases, criminal neglect, online sexual exploitation, adult
sexual abuse allegations and domestic violence, human trafficking (including commercial
sexual abuse of minors), and crimes against vulnerable adults, including financial exploitation
to:
• ensure the safety of all victims and the public at large;
• minimize the secondary trauma of all victims and witnesses who are interviewed during
the course of an investigation;
• consistently follow a framework for coordination and communication among all
participants and avoidance of conflicts among participants that may hinder the
effectiveness of an investigation;
• constantly strive for improvement through training, communication and critical review
of current investigative practices;
• increase the overall quality of the investigation; and
• protect the rights and interests of victims and their families, witnesses and suspects.
II. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Kitsap S.A.I.V.S. shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age,
national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any
of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, the investigation
and prosecution of special assault crimes, provision of victim advocacy, selection of volunteers,
selection of vendors, and provision of other services. Kitsap S.A.I.V.S. will provide reasonable
accommodation to people with disabilities.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 4
III. DEFINITIONS
o “Child abuse” refers to neglect, and/or physical or sexual abuse of children.
o “Offender” refers to an adult or juvenile.
o A child is a person under the age of 18.
o “SAU” stands for the Special Assault Unit of the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s
Office.
o “Children’s Advocacy Center” means a child-focused facility in good standing
with the state chapter for children’s advocacy centers and that
coordinates a multidisciplinary process for the investigation, prosecution,
and treatment of sexual and other types of child abuse.
provide a location for forensic interviews and coordinate access to services
such as, but not limited
to, medical evaluations, advocacy, therapy, and case review by
multidisciplinary teams within the context of county protocols as
defined in RCW26.44.180 and 26.44.185 as defined by House Bill
2596
o “Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Commercial Sexual Abuse
of a Minor (CSAM) RCW 9.68A.100
CSEC is referred to as commercial sexual exploitation of children.
“Commercial sex” is defined as any sex act on account of which
anything of value is given or received by any person, including but
not limited to: prostitution, pornography, webcamming, exotic
dancing/stripping, exploitation, erotic/nude massage, phone sex
lines, sex tourism, gang‐ based prostitution.
o “DCYF” refers to all Division of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and
Division of Licensed Resources (DLR) social service specialist assigned to the
investigation, and to Puyallup Tribal Child Protective Services.
o CPS-Investigations is a DCYF response for families who are subjects of high-risk
physical abuse; emergent neglect; all sexual abuse and exploitation referrals;
subjects are identified; investigation is not voluntary; and social service specialist
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 5
complete Investigation Assessments with findings of Abuse or Neglect. Risk-
Only Intakes will also be managed within this pathway. Cases that include
significant injuries requiring medical care or concern that medical care may be
required will be assigned to CPS Investigations.
Additional cases that will be screened to CPS-Investigations shall include
child fatality and where there are other children who are in the care of the
alleged subject; living situations that are immediately dangerous or
unhealthy; child’s current physical or mental condition indicates for
immediate medical care or child appears seriously ill or injured; Sexual
Abuse/Exploitation.
o “Family Assessment Response (FAR)” is a DCYF response for families who are
subjects of concern of less severe child abuse/neglect that: has no investigation;
has no findings; doesn’t identify subjects; protects children by strengthening
families; builds on DCYF practice models; delivers concrete and supportive
services to families.
o “LE or Law Enforcement” refers to any law enforcement agency such as local
police departments, the State Patrol, the Director of Public Safety, and the Office
of the Sheriff, under RCW 26.44.020(2), the Prosecuting Attorney, and to federal
law enforcement agencies, any tribal police department, or military police.
o “EMS or Emergency Medical Services” refers to a network of personnel,
equipment, and resources established for the purpose of delivering basic life
support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS) care to the citizens of our
community. The network includes municipal fire departments, county fire
districts, private ambulance, and military EMS providers.
o “ME” refers to the Kitsap County Medical Examiner, the Assistant Medical
Examiners and Investigators.
o “MDT” refers to a multidisciplinary team approach to the investigation, treatment
and prosecution of child abuse cases.
o “PA, PAO or Prosecuting Attorney: refers to the elected Kitsap County
Prosecuting Attorney, and their Deputy Prosecutors.
o “Medical Provider” refers to licensed, registered or certified medical practitioners
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 6
including physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners or physician assistants that
practice in a variety of settings to include primary care, emergency departments,
clinics, hospitals or private practice.
o “Child Forensic Interview” is defined as a developmentally sensitive and legally-
sound method of gathering factual information regarding allegations of child
abuse, child neglect, or exposure to violence. The interview is conducted by a
competently trained, neutral professional utilizing techniques informed by
research and best practice as part of a larger investigative process. Child forensic
interviews in Kitsap County are qualified under RCW 74.14B.010 and RCW
43.101.224.
o “A Minimal Fact / Safety Interview Prior to a Forensic Interview” is a brief
questioning of the child in the field when there is a need to assess present danger
after a child has allegedly made a clear disclosure of abuse that will require a
forensic interview in the near future.
o “Online sexual exploitation” is accessing, possessing, producing, and/or
distributing images and/or videos of child sexual abuse through the internet.
IV. AGENCY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Key Participants Defined:
1. Group One – Mandatory Reporters (child neglect, child sexual and
physical abuse and criminal neglect cases, commercial sexual abuse of
minors, and abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a
vulnerable adult cases only) (as defined by these protocol); includes but is
not limited to:
(a) Law Enforcement
(b) Schools, including professional school personnel
(c) Medical Community
(d) Daycares and licensed child care providers
(e) Counselors/ Mental Health Professionals
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 7
(f) Attorneys, including Prosecuting Attorney
(g) Social Services, including victim advocate groups (See RCW
(h) 26.44.020(8))
(i) Clergy/Church
(j) Probation / Department of Corrections
(k) Any other mandatory reporter as required by RCW 26.44.030 and RCW
74.34.020 et seq.
(l) Christian Science practitioner (vulnerable adults only)
(m) Any operator of an adult facility (vulnerable adults only)
(n) Any paid or volunteer employee of a social service, welfare, mental health,
adult day health, adult day care, home health, home care, or hospice agency
(o) A mandated reporter is not required to report to a law enforcement agency an
incident of physical assault between vulnerable adults that causes minor
bodily injury and does not require more than basic first aid, unless requested
by the injured vulnerable adult or his or her legal representative or family
member or unless:
(1) The injury appears on the back, face, head, neck, chest, breasts,
groin, inner thigh, buttock, genital, or anal area;
(2) There is a fracture;
(3) There is a pattern of physical assault between the same
vulnerable adults or involving the same vulnerable adults; or
(4) There is an attempt to strangle a vulnerable adult.
2. Group Two – Investigators/ First Responders
(a) Law Enforcement, including Naval Criminal Investigative Service
(b) (NCIS)
(c) Coroner
(d) Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
(e) Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF/formerly CPS)
(f) The “Designated Forensic Interviewer” who is employed by the prosecutor’s
office.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 8
(g) Adult Protective Services (APS)2
(h) Residential Care Services (RCS)
B. Roles and Responsibilities of Key Participants:
1. Group One -- Mandatory Reporters
As mandatory reporters, all participants should respond to a disclosure or
concern for child physical or sexual abuse (including sexual exploitation),
or neglect and incidents involving serious domestic violence acts which
are seen or heard by a child and abandonment, abuse, financial
exploitation, or neglect of a vulnerable adult cases, by:
(1) Immediately calling 911;
(2) Making a secondary call to DCYF or APS at (866)363-4276, or
1-866-ENDHARM;
(3) Taking appropriate measures to ensure the immediate safety of
the child or vulnerable adult;
(4) Inquiring of the child or vulnerable adult no more than is
necessary to ensure that the child or vulnerable adult is safe;
(5) Documenting all volunteered statements of the child or
vulnerable adult, all questions asked and all responses of the
child or vulnerable adult in a near verbatim manner;
(6) Refraining from the use of leading or suggestive questions (i.e.
those questions that suggest to the child or vulnerable adult
what the answer should be);
(7) After the initial disclosure to a mandatory reporter, the child or
vulnerable adult shall not be questioned further by additional
staff, concerned persons or supervisors except as is necessary
to ensure the safety of the child.
Non-law enforcement mandatory reporters should never assume the role of an
criminal investigator, Child or Adult Protective Services, or Residential Care
2 APS shall contact RCS and/or any other investigation agency, when appropriate.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 9
Services representative and shall allow investigators and/or forensic
interviewers unlimited access to a child when it is necessary to conduct an
interview at school (pursuant to RCW 26.44.030(15)).
2. Group Two – Investigators/ First Responders
(a) Roles and Responsibilities In Emergent Situations
“Emergent” situations are those involving death, substantial injury or trauma,
significant fear by the child or adult victim, risk of danger to the child or adult
victim or others, or acute situations where the incident has occurred in the
recent past.
(1) In any case involving sudden unexpected death or serious or
suspicious injuries to a child or vulnerable adult victim,
Kitsap911 shall immediately summon law enforcement and
EMS to the scene (and to summon law enforcement to the
hospital if the victim is transported there).
(2) Law enforcement shall respond to any child death and/or
serious or suspicious injury to a child or vulnerable adult.
(3) When involved, Child Protective Services Residential Care
Services or Adult Protective Services and law enforcement
shall respond to emergent situations by notifying each other as
soon as possible that a report has been made and/or in
accordance with RCW 26.44.030.
(4) Priority should be given to the safety of the child or adult
victim.
(5) Law enforcement should take an immediate lead role in the
investigation.
(6) Law enforcement shall determine the need for protective
custody of any children/ victims and notify DCYF/APS
immediately. (APS cannot take custody of an adult but if the
adult victim wants an alternative placement, APS can work
with collaterals for placement).
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 10
(7) When the victim is a child or vulnerable adult, investigators
should follow the child interview guidelines as set forth in
Section V (Victim Interviews and Methods of Documentation)
and Section VI (Training and Qualifications of Interviewers).
(8) Good faith efforts should be made by DCYF or APS to contact
the identified victim(s) within twenty-four (24) hours of the
receipt of the referral.
(9) DCYF, Residential Care Services or Adult Protective Services
should defer all suspect contact to the law enforcement agency
responding.
(10) The crime scene shall be handled by law enforcement as per
the individual law enforcement agency’s departmental
guidelines. All First Responders shall refer to Kitsap County’s
CPOD
(11) (Collaboration, Preservation, Observation, and Documentation)
Procedures. All First Responders shall avoid disturbing the
scene of a death or serious or suspicious injury to a child or
vulnerable adult. In cases of obvious death, First Responders
shall not move the victim any further.
(12) All First Responders shall document all observations made at
the scene of a death or serious or suspicious injury and provide
all information to law enforcement/ investigators as soon as is
possible. First Responders shall refer to Kitsap County’s
CPOD procedures regarding Observation and Documentation.
Investigators shall collect any information about First
Responder observations as soon as is possible.
(13) The investigator should photograph both the victim and suspect
of a domestic violence incident, even if there is not any
physical sign of abuse or damage. APS will need the approval
of the vulnerable adult to photograph unless it is to preserve
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 11
evidence. 13) The investigator shall attempt to obtain a written
statement from any adult victim of domestic violence.
(14) The investigator shall thoroughly photograph the crime scene
and/or location(s) where the incident took place, consulting
with the law enforcement agency’s crime scene unit as
appropriate and seize all relevant evidence. First Responders
should strongly consider photographing the scene, where
possible.
(15) The investigator should utilize the SAIVS Protocol Field Guide
when responding to a report of domestic violence or sexual
assault.
(16) The investigator shall attempt to obtain a signed medical
release form as soon as is possible from any victim of domestic
violence or sexual assault.
(17) The investigator shall make an immediate determination of the
need for a medical examination of the victim (i.e.: any sexual
contact within the past five days may warrant a medical
examination).
(18) Medical examinations should be referred to St. Michael’s
Medical Center’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
program.
(19) The investigator will provide the victim with a victim’s right
packet.
(20) The investigator shall obtain a report from Kitsap911 and/or
ILEADS regarding past calls to the home.
(21) Investigators should consult with the prosecutor’s office as
early as possible in the investigation or as legal issues arise.
(22) All referrals regarding child death, child physical or sexual
abuse, criminal neglect, adult sexual abuse or domestic
violence, human trafficking (including commercial sexual
abuse of minors), or abandonment, abuse, financial
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 12
exploitation, or neglect of a vulnerable adult shall be forwarded
to the Prosecutor’s office by law enforcement. No investigation
shall be submitted for review by the prosecutor unless all
investigative avenues have been explored by all agencies
involved and/or an arrest has been made.
(23) Victims must be notified of the right to have an advocate made
available to them and such requests shall be accommodated
when:
a. A medical evaluation with the SANE program is
performed;
b. A formal interview is conducted at the Prosecutor’s Office
or any interview is scheduled;
(24) A victim advocate shall be made available to a victim when:
a. Requested by a victim or victim’s family or legal
representative; or
b. An investigator or First Responder identifies a need for an
advocate.
(b) Roles and Responsibilities In Non-Emergent Situations
“Non-Emergent” situations are those that do not rise to level of
“Emergent,” or those situations where the abuse occurred in the past, the
victim or others are not at immediate risk, the victim is not facing
immediate contact with the perpetrator and there is no crime scene to be
preserved and or/processed.
(1) When involved, DCYF or Adult Protective Services and law
enforcement shall respond to non-emergent situations by
notifying each other as soon as possible that a report has been
made and/or in accordance with RCW 26.44.030.
(2) When the victim is a child, DCYF should take an immediate
lead role in the investigation of cases, until such time as law
enforcement becomes involved. DCYF will make a referral to
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 13
law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office and will share
information as is legally appropriate.
(3) When the victim is a vulnerable adult, Adult Protective
services or Residential Care Services should take an immediate
lead role in the investigation of cases, until such time as law
enforcement becomes involved. APS or RCS will make a
referral to law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office and will
share information as is legally appropriate.
(4) When the victim is a child or vulnerable adult, investigators
should follow the interview guidelines as set forth in Section V
(Victim Interviews and Methods of Documentation).
(5) DCYF and law enforcement should defer any forensic
interview to the designated forensic interviewer employed by
the prosecutor’s office.
(6) Upon the request of law enforcement, DCYF, or Adult
Protective Services, the prosecutor’s office’s designated
forensic interviewer will conduct interviews of vulnerable adult
victims according to the guidelines in Section V (Victim
Interviews and Methods of Documentation).
(7) Investigators shall contact all persons to whom the victim has
made prior disclosures and shall document as near verbatim as
possible the disclosures that were made.
(8) DCYF shall make good faith efforts to contact identified
victim(s) within seventy-two (72) hours of the receipt of the
referral. APS shall follow APS priority guidelines for contact
with identified victims.
(9) The investigator shall make a determination of the need for a
medical examination.
(10) Medical examinations should be referred to St. Michael’s
SANE program.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 14
(11) Investigators should consult with the prosecutor’s office as
early as possible in the investigation or as legal issues arise.
(12) Suspect and witness contact should be deferred to law
enforcement when law enforcement is involved in the
investigation and/or it appears that the allegation is criminal in
nature.
(13) Continued contact with the victim or victim’s family or legal
representative by the lead investigative agency is strongly
encouraged.
(14) The investigation should be completed and/or forwarded to the
Prosecutor’s office within four (4) months of the original
referral. However, no investigation shall be submitted for
review by the prosecutor unless all investigative avenues have
been explored by all agencies involved and/or an arrest has
been made.
(15) Victims must be notified of the right to have an advocate made
available to them and such requests shall be accommodated
when:
a. A medical evaluation with the SANE program is
performed;
b. A formal child or vulnerable adult forensic interview is
conducted at the Prosecutor’s Office or any interview is
scheduled;
(16) A victim advocate shall be made available to a victim when:
a. Requested by a victim or victim’s family or legal
representative; or
b. An investigator or First Responder identifies a need for an
advocate.
(c) Law Enforcement/DCYF/APS/RCS Communication.
(1) Making/Sharing referrals:
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 15
a. DCYF/APS/RCS referrals and Law Enforcement reports
shall be transmitted from the originating agency to the
receiving agency by either mail or electronic means.
b. If an agency’s preferred method of transmission is mail, the
agency will fax or send electronically any report/referral
that is deemed emergent in nature to ensure the quickest
possible coordination of response.
c. The agency sending the reports will provide the receiving
agency with a summary list of the referrals/reports sent on a
schedule agreed upon by both agencies. This will allow the
receiving agency to verify receipt of the reports/referrals.
d. If an agency sending the report is pursuing an investigation,
the assigned investigator will contact the designated point
person at the agency receiving the report by phone to
facilitate coordination of investigation.
e. Reports should include all available information regarding
the name and address of alleged victim, the name and
address of the subject of the allegation, the details of the
alleged abuse, and any action taken.
(2) When a child is taken into protective custody:
a. The assigned DCYF investigator shall contact the Law
Enforcement agency responsible for protective custody by
phone to obtain as many details as available regarding the
situation leading to protective custody. Each Law
Enforcement agency shall designate a primary and
secondary point of contact to ensure that direct
communication with the agency is made and messages are
not left for officers not on shift.
b. When DCYF is considering returning a child who has been
placed into protective custody home, Law Enforcement
shall be notified telephonically through the identified points
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 16
of contact at the earliest possible time prior to the final
decision being made.
c. Law Enforcement shall be notified of any staffings related
to the return of children as soon as possible to allow them
to participate or provide additional information regarding
the circumstances of the protective custody and the safety
of the children. Law Enforcement will have the opportunity
to provide information prior to the staffing through
conversations with the DCYF investigator, to be physically
present at the staffing, or to participate telephonically in the
staffing.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 17
(3) When a vulnerable adult appears at risk:
a. When law enforcement encounters a possible vulnerable
adult apparently at risk, they should make all efforts to
contact APS Intake (1-800-EndHarm) to explore services
and/or protective measures available to the vulnerable
adult.
C. Joint Investigation Procedures in Death, Sexual and Physical Abuse,
or Criminal Neglect Investigations
A “Joint investigation” occurs when multiple agencies are involved in the investigation of
any death or physical or sexual abuse, or criminal neglect, human trafficking. or incidents
involving serious domestic violence acts. While the need for joint investigations will
most often be limited to allegations of death, sexual or physical abuse of a child or
vulnerable adult, the following protocol should be relied upon by investigators when
multiple agencies and/or jurisdictions are involved in the investigation of adult sexual
assault or domestic violence. The MDT agencies involved in the joint investigation are
expected to coordinate information gathering including history taking, assessments and
forensic interview(s) to avoid duplication.
1. Who Conducts the Interview.
a) See Section V (Victim Interviews and Methods of Documentation) of
this protocol.
(1) All child sexual assault victims under the age of sixteen (16)
shall be interviewed by the prosecutor’s office designated
forensic interviewer when there is a clear statement of abuse or
reason to believe that a child has been sexually abused.
(Interviews will not be conducted based solely on a child
exhibiting sexualized behaviors.) The designated forensic
interviewer shall interview the child unless it is apparent that
there is risk to the immediate safety of the child or public
and/or there is a crime scene at risk of contamination that
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 18
requires more information that can only be obtained from the
child. The forensic interviewer may interview child victims of
physical abuse when deemed appropriate by a Special Assault
Prosecutor and/or by MDT member(s).
(2) The designated forensic interviewers shall review the referral
and information available to determine which designated
forensic interviewer is the most appropriate for that particular
child In preparation for the forensic interview, the designated
forensic interviewer shall meet with and gather information
from law enforcement, DCYF/Tribal Equivalent and any other
MDT member with relevant information regarding the
interview. Post interview, the forensic interviewer shall meet
with law enforcement, DCYF/Tribal Equivalent and other
MDT members to share information gathered from the
interview and discuss next steps regarding investigation and
resources. .
(3) Law enforcement may refer a victim to the prosecutor’s office
forensic interviewer for any age vulnerable adult victim or
victims over the age of sixteen (16), when appropriate.
(4) The prosecutor’s office shall maintain documentation of all
interviews. Where near verbatim reporting is used, the
documentation shall include a record of all questions asked and
answers given as well as any spontaneous statements made.
Where video recording is used, the documentation shall consist
of the digital recording.
(5) The prosecutor’s office shall designate a back-up plan for those
cases where the forensic interviewer is not available during
regular business hours for emergent interviewing. This should
not affect the referral process by law enforcement.
2. Investigating Officer’s Duties Regarding Children and Vulnerable Adults
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 19
If the reporting party can provide information regarding the identity of the
perpetrator, the general nature of the allegations, the general time frame
and general location of the crime, then no interview should be conducted
by the investigating officer.
a) Consultation with a child sexual abuse investigator within the agency’s
department and/or with a Special Assault Unit prosecutor should be
performed when there is a question regarding whether an on-scene
interview should be conducted.
b) Each law enforcement agency shall designate an investigator to be
available for twenty-four hour consultation regarding the necessity of
interviewing a child victim of sexual or physical abuse and what
specific questions should be asked during such an interview. It is
encouraged that this investigator attend the Washington State Child
Abuse Interviewing and Assessment Training (“CAIA”).
c) Law enforcement shall inquire of their agencies on call investigator or
a Special Assault Unit Deputy Prosecuting Attorney prior to
conducting any interview with any child under the age of ten, or any
vulnerable adult.
d) With child victims under the age of ten or any vulnerable adult, no
more information shall be solicited by the investigating officer than is
reasonably necessary to meet the above described needs though
sensitivity and discretion should be given to a victim who wishes to
divulge more.
e) Spontaneous statements by any victim shall not be cut off.
f) The law enforcement agency shall maintain documentation of any
interview it conducts, and shall conduct near verbatim reporting of the
questions asked and answers given as well as any spontaneous
statements made.
3. DCYF/APS Duties
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 20
a) In those cases where law enforcement or prosecutor involvement is not
warranted but Child Protective Services or Adult Protective Services
must still investigate the referral, DCYF/APS shall designate a primary
interviewer who is properly trained and qualified to conduct such
interviews (as per Section VI of this protocol).
b) Near verbatim reporting or audio recording per DCYF/APS protocol
of the questions asked and answers given as well as any spontaneous
statements made shall be conducted in all sexual assault and physical
abuse investigations.
4. Who Observes the Interview
a) The preferred method of interviewing a victim is in a one-on-one
situation with no parent(s), relatives, legal guardians or other
potentially interested party present.
b) Consideration of the Victim’s Bill of Rights shall remain a priority in
all interviews.
c) The assigned law enforcement and DCYF/APS//Tribal Equivalent is
expected to attend/observe any forensic interview via closed-circuit
TV in the course of their investigation; however,
parents/relatives/guardians will not be permitted to observe the
forensic interview.
5. Who Is Responsible For Documenting Interview
a) Whoever asks the questions during the interview shall have the
primary responsibility for documenting the questions asked and
answers given in a near verbatim manner.
6. Which Agency Is the Custodian of Documentation
a) Whoever documents the interview is deemed the “primary keeper of
the record.” Release of the record to a non-criminal justice agency is
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 21
controlled by statute. (See RCW 26.44) The “record” or the
“interview” includes any video or audio recordings, transcripts or
written summaries of the forensic interview.
b) “Criminal justice agency” is defined in RCW 10.97.030.
c) A record of a forensic interview shall not be released to a noncriminal
justice agency without prior screening by an attorney for the record-
keeping agency, and a protective order pursuant to RCW 26.44.186.
d) If an out-of-county criminal justice agency requests a copy of the
forensic interview the request shall be directed to the primary keeper
of the record.
7. How Team Members, Other Than The Custodian, Are To Access
Documentation of the Interviews or Investigations
(a) Prosecutor Interviewer Records:
(1) An investigator wishing to view the forensic interview may do
so by closed-circuit television while the interview is being
conducted, or by viewing the recording at the Child Advocacy
Center. Verbal confirmation of what is contained in the
forensic interview record may be given to DCYF/Tribal
Equivalent or APS, or DCYF/APS/Tribal Equivalent may
review the record on the prosecutor’s office premises.
(2) Upon request, a hard copy of the forensic interview record may
be given to DCYF/APS/Tribal Equivalent, if necessary, for
Court purposes with an appropriate protective order.
(3) A hard copy shall be forwarded to DSHS Division of Licensed
Resources (DLR), if requested with an appropriate protective
order.
(4) A limited, verbal summary of what is contained in the forensic
interview record should be provided to the appropriate forensic
medical examiner for referral purposes.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 22
(5) Victim advocates shall not receive information with respect to
the contents of the interview.
(b) Forensic Medical Examiner Reports:
(1) Any interview conducted by a medical examiner shall become
part of the forensic charting.
(2) A hard copy of the forensic charting shall be released
immediately to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
(3) Contact with the prosecutor should be made if there is any
request for release of this report to anyone besides law
enforcement or the prosecutor.
(4) DCYF/APS/Tribal Equivalent can immediately access verbal
information regarding the forensic examination via the hospital
or the prosecutor.
(5) Upon request made to the Prosecutor’s Office, a hard copy of
the interview may be given to DCYF/APS/Tribal Equivalent or
APS, if necessary, for Court purposes.
(6) Victim advocates shall not receive any release of information
with respect to the interview.
(c)DCYF or APS Interviews and/or Investigative Reports:
(1) Upon request, a hard copy of the investigation or copy of any
audio recordings made shall be released immediately to the
appropriate law enforcement agency and to the prosecutor.
(2) If a disclosure is made during the course of a DCYF or APS
interview, the interview shall be released immediately to law
enforcement and the prosecutor.
(3) The designated medical agency can access limited, verbal
information for referral purposes.
(4) Victim advocates shall not receive any release of information
with respect to the interview.
(5) If there is a request for a copy of the interview by a non-
criminal justice agency when a criminal investigation is
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 23
pending, the Attorney General’s office will contact the
prosecutor or law enforcement to determine if the safety of the
victim or other legal basis exists to deny the release at that
time.
8. Who Convenes A Multi-Disciplinary Investigation
a) See Section IX (Case Review) of this protocol.
b) Generally, ―multi-disciplinary investigation‖ is deemed to be the joint
sharing of information and collaborative investigative efforts as set
forth in this protocol.
c) Any agency member of the multi-disciplinary investigation (ie: law
enforcement, prosecutor, medical staff, DCYF, or APS) can request a
staffing and collective determination of an investigative plan.
9. Dispute Resolution
In criminal investigations where disputes regarding the investigation arise,
the prosecutor will have the ultimate authority to resolve the dispute but
only after the key participants in the multi-disciplinary investigation have
met and discussed all of the issues. The prosecutor will be given deference
only if the key participants are unable to reach a joint resolution.
V. SUSPECT AND WITNESS INTERVIEWS
The procedures set forth in Section III (Agency Roles and Responsibilities) of this protocol are
adopted.
VI. VICTIM INTERVIEWS AND METHODS OF
DOCUMENTATION FOR CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE
ADULTS
A. An interviewer shall:
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 24
1. Make all efforts to conduct a thorough interview that enhances free recall
while keeping in mind the person’s developmental level, cultural and
language needs and emotional well-being;
2. Adhere to the current state and nationally recognized accepted standards
and practices of forensic child interviewing.
3. Make an interpreter available if English is not the child’s native language.
4. Provide an interview room that is child-friendly, but free from distraction.
The child is the most important part of the interview and aids that may
assist the child should always be considered. Communication aids such as
a tablet, or drawing tools will available if needed.
5. Introduce evidence during an interview sparingly and such introduction
shall be guided by APSAC and NICHD standards, and MDT consultation.
6. Conduct second or subsequent interviews only after consultation with
MDT members and focus information or allegations that were not
discussed in the original interview.
B. Who conducts the forensic interview shall be governed by Section III
(Agency Roles and Responsibilities) of this protocol.
C. Methods of documentation of the forensic interview:
1. The prosecutor’s office shall conduct video recording or near-verbatim
recording of all questions asked, responses given and any spontaneous
statements made regarding sexual abuse. These methods are recommended
to document statements regarding physical abuse.
2. The authorized methods for recording interviews are video recording and
near verbatim note taking. The committee shall re-convene and assess the
value of the alternative means of recording as established or tested through
the pilot projects put into place via state legislation.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 25
3. Original written notes of an interview shall be retained until such time as a
video recorded interview is verified to be completely and accurately
recorded or a near verbatim report has been generated.
D. Who Observes the Forensic Interview:
1. The preferred method of forensically interviewing a victim is in a one-on-
one situation with no parent(s), legal guardians, relatives or other
potentially interested party present.
2. Consideration of the Victim’s Bill of Rights shall remain a priority in all
interviews.
3. Law enforcement and DCYF/APS/RCS/Tribal Equivalent may observe
any forensic interview via closed- circuit TV in the course of their
investigation; however, relatives, legal guardians or other potentially
interested party will not be permitted to observe the forensic interview.
E. Video Recording – Procedures to Inform the Victim
1. At the start of the forensic interview, the forensic interviewer shall inform
the victim that the interview is being video recorded. If the victim refuses
to be interviewed while being video recorded, then the interviewer shall
conduct the interview using near verbatim reporting.
F. Video Recording – Designation and Processing of Recordings
1. After the forensic interview concludes, the interviewer shall verify that the
digital recording in fact captured the interview.
2. The prosecutor’s office shall maintain an archive system of digital
recordings, with a log to track:
(d) when a copy is made for the defense pursuant to a judicially authorized
protection order or for court purposes,
(e) when defense copies are returned after the conclusion of a case and
(f) the final destruction or archiving of each DVD.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 26
3. Immediately after an interview concludes, the interviewer shall log the
recordings into the prosecutor’s archiving s ystem.
G. Video Recording – Procedures for Distribution and Storage to Law
Enforcement and Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys
1. After the digital recording arise confirmed as recorded in the prosecutor’s
archive system, the interviewer shall notify the law enforcement agency
that the forensic interview is complete.
H. Video Recording – Procedures for Protection Orders and Release to
Defense Counsel
1. If a case is charged where a video recording is subject to disclosure
pursuant to Criminal Rule 4.7, the prosecutor’s office shall notify defense
counsel of the recording’s existence. If defense counsel asks to view the
recording, the prosecutor’s office shall facilitate a viewing on
prosecutor’s office or law enforcement premises. If defense counsel
requests a copy of the DVD, the prosecutor’s office shall release a copy
of the DVD upon entry of a protection order by the court.
2. In each case where the prosecutor’s office releases a copy of the
recording to defense counsel, the parties must first enter a protection
order that meets or exceeds the protections found in RCW 26.44.186.
I. Video Recording – Procedures for Security of Recordings, Long-term
Storage and Final Destruction of Recording
1. The prosecutor’s office is responsible for securely storing the prosecutor’s
recordings and copies made thereof. Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys or their
investigators may view a recording on the secure system. In no instance
may the prosecutor’s recording be removed from the premises of the
prosecutor’s office without explicit permission by the supervisor of the
special assault unit.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 27
2. The prosecutor’s office will track all recordings, whether original or
copied, and shall destroy recordings or document destruction of recordings
according to the following schedule:
(a) Defense copy – Returned for destruction five days after resolution of the case
by plea, verdict or dismissal.
(b) Copy of Prosecutor’s Recording Made for Internal Use – Returned for
destruction immediately after completion of work with recording.
(c) Prosecutor’s Recording – Destroyed the later of (a) exhaustion of the time for
appeal and collateral attack in cases where defendants are convicted, or (b)
when there is no reasonable possibility that the recording can be used in any
criminal prosecution, two-or-three-strikes sentencing, or civil commitment
proceeding.
J. Video Recording – Procedures for Pro Se Defendants
1. In no event will DVD recordings or copies thereof be issued to a
defendant who represents themselves.
2. In the event that a pro se defendant demands viewing of a video recorded
interview and the Court orders the viewing, law enforcement shall
facilitate a supervised viewing of the law enforcement recording.
K. Adult Victim Interviews
1. Investigators shall make all efforts to conduct a thorough interview that
enhances free recall while keeping in mind the victim’s cultural and
language needs and emotional well being.
2. Near verbatim recording of the interview is encouraged.
3. See Section III (Agency Roles and Responsibilities) and Section XI
(Methods of Protecting Child and Adult Victims During An
Investigation) of these protocol for further victim interview guidelines.
L. Post Interview Collaboration
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 28
1. After the forensic interview, members of the MDT shall meet with the non-
offending caregiver to discuss “next steps”, such as therapy, advocacy and
medical care. The assigned advocate will refer for appropriate services and
ensure connection with those services if the non-offending caregiver and/or
victim are open to the services.
2. During this meeting, the MDT member will share available resources to
address:
a. The safety of the child,
b. The emotional impact of abuse allegations,
c. Reduce or eliminate the risk of future abuse,
d. Address issues or distress which the allegations may trigger.
VII. TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS OF INTERVIEWERS
AND MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM MEMBERS
A. “Primary Interviewers” are those who have primary responsibility for
interviewing, including:
1. The “Designated Forensic Interviewer” employed by the prosecutor’s
office; or
2. DCYF/APS/RCS workers assigned to investigate child and/or vulnerable
adult sexual abuse allegations.
B. Training of all Primary and Designated Forensic Interviewers shall be
according to the following:
1. All ―Primary Forensic Interviewers shall complete the minimum
statutory training required by the state of Washington.
2. The CAIA training model or its equivalent is encouraged training for all
3. “Primary Forensic Interviewers.”
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 29
4. Any “Designated Forensic Interviewer” shall receive the CAIA training
or its equivalent prior to being selected as the “Designated Forensic
Interviewer” or assuming that role.
C. Training Goals of Primary and Designated Forensic Interviewers
1. “Primary Forensic Interviewers” shall have the requisite statutory
training and should attend the yearly refresher CAIA training or its
equivalent, when possible.
2. Each law enforcement agency shall make efforts to send personnel to the
CAIA forensic interviewer training or its equivalent each year.
3. Forensic interviewers are encouraged to meet on a regular basis (at least
two times a year) to discuss current interview trends and research issues.
These meetings shall be convened and the agenda set by the “Designated
Forensic Interviewer.”
4. Law enforcement, DCYF/APS/RCS and the prosecutor’s office should
make efforts to send their Primary and Designated forensic interviewers
to the CAIA peer review meetings regularly.
D. Training Goals of Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Members:
1. Training is routinely provided to all of the MDT members through their
own agencies as well as through trainings conducted by Kitsap S.A.I.V.S.
2. MDT members shall try to attend at least one “Team Training” per year.
VIII. MEDICAL EVALUATION, EVIDENCE AND TREATMENT
The primary purpose of the medical evaluation is to provide medical care to the
patient/ victim. Where appropriate, forensic evidence will be observed, documented
and collected.
A. Primary goals of medical evaluation are to:
1. Help ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the patient
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 30
2. Evaluate, document, diagnose and address medical conditions resulting
from abuse.
3. Differentiate medical findings that are indicative of abuse from those
which may be explained by other medical conditions.
4. Document, diagnose, and address medical conditions unrelated to abuse
5. Assess the patient for any developmental, emotional, or behavioral
problems needing further evaluation and treatment and make referrals as
necessary
6. Reassure and educate the patient (and family, if appropriate)
7. Refer for therapy to address trauma related to the abuse/assault, if not
provided by another member of the MDT/CAC
B. Designated providers:
1. EMS Personnel.
2. St. Michael’s Medical Center’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program
(SANE) is recognized as the qualified and designated medical forensic
program in this community.
3. Child Abuse Pediatrician/Medical Specialist
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 31
C. Referral Sources for medical evaluation
1. Law Enforcement
2. Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF)
3. Adult Protective Services (APS)
4. The Prosecutor’s Office
5. Hospital Emergency Department/Social Worker
6. EMS/ First Responders
7. Medical Community
8. Residential Care Services (RCS)
*A Referral to a medical professional for exam by a mandatory reporter does NOT relieve that
reporter from their statutory duty to report to DCYF/APS/RCS or Law Enforcement.
D. Emergency Medical Services/ First Responders Response for Children
Under the Age of Eighteen (18) or Vulnerable Adults
1. Ensure safety and provide medical aid as needed to save or assist the child
or vulnerable adult.
2. If the victim is clearly dead:
a) Do not move the body;
b) Be careful not to destroy potential evidence;
c) In cases of sudden, unexpected child death, refer to SUIDI Form;
d) EMS shall complete a Reporting Form and share all information
with the Coroner.
3. Make sure Law Enforcement has been notified (whether you stay at the
scene or not):
a) Provide your contact information to Law Enforcement.
4. Document all adults and children present.
a) Include who has left the scene;
b) Document what they did and said; their appearance;
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 32
c) Document their reactions to death or injury.
5. Document all statements and demeanor (emotional state) of speakers:
a) As soon as possible and verbatim;
b) Explain your job is to provide medical aid;
c) Ask for caretaker explanation; request details;
d) Record observations of both words and actions.
6. Document all your observations of the environment as soon as possible:
a) Focus all your senses on the surroundings;
b) Describe scene accurately and completely;
c) Possible mechanism of injury present?
7. Consider and record victim’s developmental level.
a) Compare reasonableness of history given regarding mechanism of
injury to victim’s age and developmental abilities and scene
observations.
8. Know signs of possible abuse and neglect:
a) Physical abuse: Unexplained broken bones, bruises, black eyes,
cuts, burns, welts; pattern injuries, bite marks; reports of injury
received from an adult caretaker, etc.
b) Sexual abuse: Difficulty walking or sitting, inappropriate interest
or knowledge of sexual acts, reports of inappropriate touching, etc.
c) Neglect: obvious lack of hygiene; back of head flat; severe diaper
rash; bed sores; hungry; underweight; lack of food, formula or
care; parent or child or caregiver use of drugs or alcohol, over-
medication of the victim, or withholding medication, evidence of
physical restraint, signs of lack of supervision, etc.
9. First Responders/ EMS shall refer to Kitsap County CPOD procedures.
E. Referrals for child physical abuse or neglect
If an investigation reveals a child has suffered felony-level abuse or neglect, the
investigating entity(s) should consult with the Child Abuse Pediatrician/Medical
Provider.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 33
F. Duties of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
1. The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner shall endeavor to document if known,
or if ascertained for medical or forensic diagnostic purposes*:
a) The time frame of the incident;
b) Whether the present situation is an acute or non-acute case;
c) When was the last incident;
d) The nature of the sexual abuse alleged;
e) The family’s ability to protect the victim or other children or
vulnerable adults in the home.
*The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner is not a forensic interviewer and shall not
purposefully engage in an interview of the victim except as is necessary for diagnostic or
treatment purposes.
2. SANE shall ensure that the victim/case is engaged with one or more of the
following agencies (either before or after the examination):
a) Law Enforcement;
b) The Prosecutor’s Office;
c) DCYF, Residential Care Services or Adult Protective Services;
/Tribal Equivalent
d) Hospital Emergency Department/Social Worker;
e) Rebuilding Hope! Sexual Assault Center (“Rebuilding Hope”);
f) YWCA;
g) Scarlet Road
h) Tribal Advocacy Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe/Suquamish Tribe
i) Any other Victim Advocacy Program.
3. SANE shall identify whether an examination is needed.
a) SANE shall follow established state wide protocols to make this
determination.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 34
b) No exam conducted pursuant to this Protocol will be conducted
without proper report to Law Enforcement, DCYF/APS/RCS or an
emergent referral through the Hospital ED.
4. SANE shall identify whether the case is acute or non-acute.
G. SANE Responsibilities in Acute Situations
“Acute” situations are those where the victim/patient needs an immediate forensic
medical exam based on the time frame. The time frame is as follows: (1) For children
twelve (12) and under, there is a clear disclosure by the child and/or the incident was
witnessed by an adult and it has been 120 hours or less since their last contact with the
perpetrator; (2) For adolescents and adults, it has been – 120 hours or less since the last
contact with the perpetrator.
1. Triage by hospital staff to determine the necessity of the medical exam
and forensic evidence collection. Medical staff will determine appropriate
treatment for injuries and how to manage emergency or life-threatening
conditions that may become evident during a sexual assault exam.
2. If an exam is to be performed immediately, the Hospital will page the on-
call nurse examiner, the on-call sexual assault advocate and the Hospital’s
social worker.
3. If no exam is to be performed immediately, the hospital’s social worker
will meet with the victim and refer the victim for a scheduled SANE
examination.
4. Law Enforcement and/or DCYF shall be notified at any point during an
acute exam where immediate intervention of that agency is necessary.
5. If the victim is an adult and wishes to report the incident to law
enforcement, SANE shall obtain a signed medical release from the victim
that is effective for ninety (90) days.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 35
6. After a pediatric (under the age of 18) examination or an adult
examination for an incident in which the adult is reporting to law
enforcement is performed:
a) SANE shall share information as described in Section X
(Information Sharing) of this protocol.
b) The forensic evidence kit (accompanied by forensic SANE chart
and medical release) shall be turned over to Law Enforcement for
pick-up.
c) A follow up exam shall be offered as appropriate and information
regarding scheduling a follow up exam will be contained in the
hospital discharge instructions.
d) SANE shall refer the patient to counseling or victim’s services as
appropriate.
e) Any dictation generated after the examination shall be forwarded
directly to law enforcement.
H. SANE Responsibilities in Non-Acute Situations.
“Non-Acute” situations are those situations where an adult or adolescent
victim/patient had contact with the perpetrator over 120 hours ago.
1. Triage by hospital staff to determine the necessity of the medical exam
and forensic evidence collection.
2. If an examination is to be performed, the intake person shall schedule an
appointment that is to take place within 3 weeks and coordinate sexual
assault victim advocate contact.
3. If there is no need to schedule an examination, the intake person shall
make appropriate referrals to the appropriate agencies.
4. After an examination, is performed:
a) Kitsap911 should be contacted to identify the jurisdiction of the
law enforcement agency, if unknown.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 36
b) SANE shall share information as described in Section X
(Information Sharing) of this protocol.
c) SANE shall refer the patient to counseling or victim’s services as
appropriate.
I. Privacy of the Forensic Examination
1. Priority shall be given to maintaining the privacy of the victim with
respect to maintaining the photo documentation of the examination.
2. Absent extraordinary circumstances, the photo documentation shall be
viewed only by medical personnel for forensic and diagnostic purposes.
J. Mental Health/ Counseling Referrals for Victims and Non-Offending
Family Members
The mental health of the victim and non-offending caregivers is critical to the
victim’s processing and healing from any traumatic event. For that reason, trained and
qualified mental health providers are critical.
j) Mental Health services are always offered and referrals for
services are made by Rebuilding Hope, DCYF, YWCA, Scarlet
Road, Tribal Advocacy Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe/Suquamish
Tribe and other Victim Advocacy Programs.
k) Mental Health services are available and accessible through Kitsap
Mental Health Services (KMHS), DCYF, Rebuilding Hope, Tribal
Advocacy Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe/Suquamish Tribe and
other Victim Advocacy programs regardless of the ability to pay.
1. At the time of the forensic interview, the victim (and non-offending
caregiver, if appropriate) will be advised of mental health services
available. If requested, the interviewer or a member of their staff will
make a referral to the appropriate agency
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 37
IX. VICTIM ADVOCATES
It is the intention of this protocol to ensure victims have access to advocates throughout
the duration of a case.
A. Availability of Victim Advocacy Services
1. For sexual assault cases:
a) The support of a victim advocate will be offered at the time of the
forensic interview and/or medical evaluation, whichever happens
first. Victim advocacy can also be offered at any time in the
duration, or after the case has been resolved.
b) Ongoing support and advocacy will be available to victims by
designated, trained individuals.
c) Member agencies within this protocol will coordinate services with
victim advocates to ensure a holistic delivery of services.
2. For domestic violence cases:
a) The support of a victim advocate will be offered at the time of law
enforcement initial contact via the “Domestic Violence Pamphlet”
required by RCW 10.99. Victim advocacy can also be offered at
any time in the duration, or after the case has been resolved.
b) Ongoing support and advocacy will be available to victims by
designated, trained individuals.
c) Member agencies within this protocol will coordinate services with
victim advocates to ensure a holistic delivery of services.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 38
X. CASE REVIEW
*This protocol is to be liberally construed and should not act as a deterrent to any
member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team to convene the team on any particular case. The team
shall meet at least once a month, but as frequently thereafter as caseloads require.
A. Criteria Defining Complex Cases Where Multi-Disciplinary Team
(MDT) Staffings Are Mandatory:
1. Any child/vulnerable adult death resulting in criminal charges.
2. Multiple victims are apparent outside of same family.
3. Multiple Jurisdictions (more than one law enforcement agency and/or
more than one DCYF/APS Office).
4. Multiple suspects/perpetrators.
5. Abuse within an institutional setting where:
a) A group, organization, or facility has care of the victim(s).
b) The suspect is an employee, volunteer, member, participant, or
otherwise normally associated with the institution.
c) Possibility of multiple victims or a perpetrator with access to
multiple victims.
d) The suspect or victim is a family member or employee of a MDT
member agency.
B. Core Team Membership
1. Law Enforcement (Each agency involved)
2. Prosecutor (includes Child Advocacy Center)
3. Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF)
4. Adult Protective Services (APS)
5. Attorney General
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 39
6. Coroner (in instances of death)
7. Licensed medical practitioner involved in sexual abuse
8. Licensed mental health provider
9. Residential Care Services (RCS), if applicable
10. Victim Services (Rebuilding Hope, YWCA, Scarlet Road or other victim
advocacy program)
11. SANE
12. Others:
13. Other Interested Members of the Community.
Other interested members of the community may be provided an opportunity to
share information with the team as approved by the team.
C. Who Convenes The Team
1. Any representative from the core team membership.
2. Each member agency shall independently designate within their agency
who has the authority to convene the MDT.
D. How Is The Team Convened
1. By contact with the head of the Prosecutor’s Special Assault Unit who will
then be responsible for contacting members and designating time, place
and agenda for meeting of core members.
E. Time Frames for Convening an MDT
1. When a complex case is identified by any team member they shall
immediately notify the head of the Special Assault Unit (SAU). The SAU
head shall have discretion in setting the time for a MDT meeting but shall
convene team prior to any action being taken b y any core member or prior
to expiration of any compulsory time period applicable to any member
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 40
(i.e. team must meet so DLR can meet 24 hour deadline). This shall not
preclude any necessary emergency response by a team member agency to
ensure the protection of the victim or integrity of the investigation.
2. The Team in its entirety, or a fraction thereof, shall meet or otherwise
communicate prior to any further contact or further interview of victim,
alleged suspect, or witness.
F. Functions of The Team:
1. At the meeting decisions shall be made as to each of the following, as
applicable:
a) Who will take the lead in the investigation.
b) Who will contact and/or interview the suspect(s).
c) What steps will be taken to avoid contamination of possible
victims: ie; using multiple interviewers, provision of only limited
case information to interviewers, assurance that interviews are
conducted pursuant to accepted interviewing protocols or
standards.
d) How will the investigation be handled if a victim reports details
that may have a bearing on other potential victims.
e) How can this information be used without compromising the
investigation or contaminating the other witnesses.
f) Will potential victims be kept from speaking with other potential
victims, and if so, how may that impact their well-being.
g) How will the interviews be documented.
h) How will parents, guardians and others who may have been at risk
of
i) victimization be notified.
j) What information will be provided to them.
k) Who will be identified as the person these individuals are to
contact regarding the investigation.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 41
l) Which person will be designated to speak with the media.
m) Are other resources needed by the team or group members.
n) When should periodic meetings be scheduled to analyze and
review progress, update information, and debrief the investigation.
G. Ongoing MDT Team Functions:
1. At the initial team meeting, the MDT team shall establish a plan or
schedule for future meetings and a preliminary assessment as to the time
frame of the investigation.
2. Termination of a particular MDT shall be by the consensus of members.
At the termination meeting, members shall debrief and critique the
efficacy of the team’s work for the purpose of improving future MDT
function.
3. No investigation shall be submitted for review by the prosecutor unless all
investigative avenues have been explored by all agencies involved and/or
an arrest has been made.
H. Documentation of MDT Staffings
1. A case assignment log designating specific tasks and time frames for
completion of the same shall be maintained.
2. Documentation is to be maintained by lead law enforcement agency or
DCYF (APS/RCS) if law enforcement is not involved.
3. All efforts shall be made to maintain the utmost confidentiality of MDT
discussions as work product. The goal shall be to engender a free flow of
information and ideas without compromising the confidentiality of the
teams’ work.
4. Post meeting, the designated note-taker shall disseminate the notes from
the meeting to the team recognizing requirements of confidentiality.
I. Information Sharing
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 42
1. During the meeting, free flow of information shall be encouraged,
recognizing restrictions regarding confidentiality and privacy.
2. Each participating member will be expected to sign a confidentiality
acknowledgment pledging to keep confidential and private information
solely within the confines of the MDT conversation.
3. Any recommendations about the case shall be communicated to the MDT
members through the meeting minutes published after each MDT meeting.
4. A mental health professional will be encouraged to provide input at case
review staffings and provide information about specific cases or general
issues as allowed by professional privilege and confidentiality standards,
including state and federal laws, including but not limited to HIPAA. This
input should also include consultation on issues relevant to the child
trauma and evidence-based treatment. The mental health professional
should support the MDT in the monitoring of treatment progress and
outcomes.
XI. INFORMATION SHARING
Information shall be shared pursuant to the guidelines set forth in this protocol, according
to each agency’s departmental policies, Kitsap County’s CPOD procedures and as controlled by
state and federal law.
XII. METHODS OF PROTECTING CHILD AND ADULT
VICTIMS DURING AN INVESTIGATION
A. First priority shall always be the health and welfare of a victim.
B. The number and extent of victim interviews shall be limited according
to the guidelines set forth in Section III (Agency Roles and
Responsibilities) of these protocol.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 43
C. In determining whether additional interviews shall be conducted,
consideration will be given to the emotional welfare of the victim
and/or the input of a child victim’s or vulnerable adult’s parents or
guardians (to the extent that they are not suspects or seeking to protect
possible suspects.)
D. Investigators shall seek the least intrusive of protective measures for a
child/vulnerable adult victim.
E. All criminal justice agencies will provide written information
regarding victim’s services or resources to the victim at the time of the
report of the crime.
F. Sharing of investigatory information shall be according to the
guidelines set forth in Section III (Agency Roles and Responsibilities)
of these protocol.
G. These factors are not exclusive or exhaustive; the Kitsap County
Special Assault Investigation Protocol in its entirety is designed to
protect the child or adult victim while maintaining the integrity of the
investigation.
XIII. CASE TRACKING AND CLOSURE
A. A decision to decline to prosecute shall be made by the reviewing
prosecutor with written notice provided to the investigating law
enforcement agency and written notice to the named victim, when
appropriate.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 44
B. Each law enforcement agency and/or DCYF/ RCS/ APS shall close
cases in accordance with their agency’s protocol with appropriate
notification to the named victim as the per agency guidelines.
C. No death, physical abuse, criminal neglect, sexual assault or domestic
violence investigation shall be closed without disclosure of the
investigative results to the prosecutor. No investigation shall be
submitted for review by the prosecutor unless all investigative
avenues have been explored by all agencies involved and/or an arrest
has been made.
D. See Section IX (Case Review) of these protocol for further case
closure guidelines.
E. Each agency shall maintain and track case information per the
agency’s policies and procedures.
F. The Forensic Interviewers, Law Enforcement, Prosecutors, SANE and
DSHS shall track and receive case information about a child sexual
assault client/victim demographics including:
1. Age;
2. Ethnicity;
3. Disability;
4. Gender; and
5. Any other statistical data required by National Children’s Alliance
Accreditation standards.
G. Member agencies may request of other member agencies statistical or
demographic data if for program evaluation and research purposes, if
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 45
that data is readily available. Any agency receiving the data shall
strictly comply with any privacy or confidentiality requirements of the
providing agency.
XIV. COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT
At a minimum of every three years, Kitsap SAIVS will conduct a community
assessment that includes a review of:
1. Community demographics,
2. Kitsap SAIVS client demographics,
3. Analysis of disparities between these populations,
4. Methods Kitsap SAIVS will use to identify and address gaps in services,
5. Strategies for outreach to un-or underserved communities, and
6. A method to monitor the effectiveness of outreach and intervention
strategies.
XV. CHILD FOCUSED SETTING
Making children and families feel safe and supported when entering the Kitsap SAIVS’s
building (the CAC) is of the utmost importance. For those reasons, no alleged offender and
corresponding victim shall be in the building at the same time. If any person of any member
agency becomes aware there is an alleged offender expected to be in the building, that person
shall notify the head of the Prosecutor’s Special Assault Unit to discuss appropriate safety
precautions.
To ensure the safety of the children we serve, each CAC staff member and volunteer,
victim advocate and mental health provider providing direct services to a child must have been
screened through criminal history background, and sex offender and child abuse registries.
XVI. HUMAN TRAFFICKING/COMMERCIAL SEXUAL
EXPLOITATION
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 46
Kitsap County recognizes that investigations into human trafficking are unique from
those involving sexual assaults. Human trafficking investigations involve child victims and adult
victims, and although they involve some of the complexities of both sexual assault and domestic
violence related cases, they are unique and require their own protocols.
A victim-centered approach to investigation and prosecution is essential to accomplishing
our law enforcement mission. Victims who can tell their story and testify as a witness are key to
successful human trafficking investigations and prosecutions. When encountering a potential
victim, it is important to remember that victims may not be comfortable coming forward and
working with law enforcement. They need help to feel stable, safe and secure.
Trafficking victims may:
Fear law enforcement;
Not identify themselves as a victim;
Not tell a complete story, or use rehearsed responses; or
Identify with the trafficker.
It is crucial to understand that these behaviors are indicative of the level of control
traffickers exert over victims, and that victims need support and understanding in order to help
make the case investigation, and subsequent prosecution of the perpetrator, a success.
When law enforcement encounters a potential victim of trafficking in the course of their
duties, it is critical that they begin to develop rapport and establish trust by:
Immediately connecting the victim to a victim advocate who can connect them to
support services, emphasizing that assistance is available regardless of the
outcome of the investigation and prosecution;
Taking time to explain who they are, answer questions they might have, and
acknowledge and address their fears;
Being sensitive to cultural differences and language barriers and using an
interpreter when needed;
Conducting interviews in a neutral location, only after the victim’s needs have
been assessed and any urgent needs have been met; and
Being patient and giving the victim time to stabilize and begin their recovery
process.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 47
The purpose of these protocols is to provide consistent and comprehensive investigations
amongst the numerous agencies that participate in the investigation, prosecution, and provision
of advocacy of these human trafficking cases.
Definitions
1. Child victim – A person under the age of 18, who is recruited, harbored, transported,
and/or obtained for the purposes of a commercial sex act and/or sexual exploitation,
regardless of force, fraud or coercion. Child victims should be distinguished from adult
victims because of the placement issues, need for forensic child interviews, and other
complexities that may arise.
2. Adult victim – A person 18 or older, who is recruited, harbored, transported and/or
obtained for the purposes of a commercial sex act. Adult victims are particularly
vulnerable because a vast majority were recruited and entered into the commercial sex
trade when they were minors.
3. Individual Involved in Prostitution – Individuals (minors and adults) who are involved
in the commercial sex industry.
4. Human Traffickers or “Pimps” – Individuals who recruit, harbor, transport, obtain
and/or exploit another person for the purpose of commercially profiting from their
sexual trade.
5. Human Trafficking Investigations – primarily done by detectives specializing in this
area and conducting proactive investigations targeting human trafficking related cases.
6. Other Law Enforcement – primarily patrol officers and street contact(s) not
specifically targeting human trafficking. This can also include detectives working in
other areas (i.e., drugs, burglaries, assaults, and domestic violence) that involve
possible human trafficking related information.
7. “Johns/Buyers” – Individuals who solicit or attempt to solicit commercial sex.
Law Enforcement Investigations
A. Human Trafficking Investigations
866. Child Victims
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 48
1.) An advocate shall be notified and/or utilized immediately by
calling Scarlet Road (360) 362-5143 (call or text).
2.) The child victim interview should be conducted by the
Prosecutor’s Office Forensic Interviewer, but in the case of
emergent circumstances, the Designated Law Enforcement
Agency Child Interviewer may be utilized (refer to Section
V in these protocol).
3.) Placement determination; see section 2 of these protocol
(Placement of Child Victims).
4.) Law Enforcement and/or Child Protective Services shall
utilize their own Standard Operating Procedure for
notification of parents, guardians or other family members
regarding the Child Victim.
5.) Law enforcement shall review all law enforcement
databases(s) (LINX; iLEADS) for any prior contacts
involving the child victim.
6.) Contact designated human trafficking prosecutor, as
appropriate.
7.) Referrals for mental health counseling for the victim shall be
made in accordance with the victim advocacy program’s
referral policies.
866. Adult Victims
1.) An advocate shall be notified and/or utilized immediately by
calling Scarlet Road (360) 362-5143.
2.) The lead detective shall make determination of how to conduct
and document the interview.
3.) Law enforcement agencies may utilize the Prosecutor’s Office
Forensic Interviewers or the Agency Designated Forensic
Interviewers to conduct the interview of the adult victim.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 49
4.) Referrals for mental health counseling for the victim shall be
made in accordance with the victim advocacy program’s referral
policies.
C. Confidential informants
1.) Law enforcement shall consult with the designated human
trafficking prosecutor before utilizing any confidential
informant.
B. Placement of the Child Victim
NON CUSTODIAL RELEASE – A child victim may be temporarily detained
but released to the following designated custodians without taking them into
custody as follows:
(866) No Immediate Safety Issues: Law enforcement/DCYF may
Release to parent/guardian provided there are no immediate safety or
placement concerns with the child as follows:
(1) No suspected abuse or neglect by parent/guardian.
(2) Release to the following custodian provided they will accept the child,
can be notified, and will arrive within a reasonable time:
(a) Parent/guardian or
(b) Upon approval of parent/guardian, to responsible adult willing to
accept the child; and,
(c) Upon approval by parent, child, and law enforcement, the child
may be transported by law enforcement to the custodian.
(3) Law Enforcement/DCYF (in consultation with Scarlet Road if
appropriate) shall explain the circumstances for detaining the child to
the child, custodian, and, in the written investigation.
(4) When appropriate, the child and custodian shall be provided a safety plan
checklist to ensure the future safety and well-being of the child.
(B) Dependency Issues: If the child is a dependent child supervised by a
Washington State agency then they may only be released as follows:
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 50
(1) To a state agency who will accept the child.
(2) To the following authorized custodian provided they can be notified
and will arrive within a reasonable time:
(a) State agency or its authorized agent; or,
(b) Child Protective Services (DCYF); and,
(c) Upon approval by both custodian and law
enforcement, the child may be transported by law
enforcement to the custodian.
(3) Law Enforcement/DCYF shall explain the circumstances for detaining
the child to the child, custodian, and, in the written investigation.
TEMPORARY CUSTODY (RCW 43.185C.260) – A child victim may only be taken
into temporary law enforcement custody under either of the following options at the time
of detainment (A) or (B):
(A) Option #1: An immediate concern for safety of the child
(866) There must be at least one of the following reasons for concern:
(a) The parent/guardian indicates the child was absent from the home
without consent; or,
(b) The child’s age, location, and/or time of day indicates safety
concerns; or,
(c) The child is unlawfully harbored in violation of RCW 13.32A.080.
(2) Law enforcement shall transport and deliver the child to the
following custodian provided they will accept the child and can be notified
and available within a reasonable time and distance:
(a) Parent/guardian if no suspected abuse or neglect issues, or, at
request of parent/guardian, to the following:
(I) Home of a responsible adult;
(II) DCYF; or
(III) Licensed youth shelter.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 51
(b) If parent/guardian is not available or there are
abuse/neglect issues, then to DCYF.
(3) Law Enforcement shall explain reason for giving custody of the child to
the custodian, and in the written investigation.
(B) Option #2: The child is a Washington State dependent on runaway status
(1) The state agency legally charged with supervision of the child indicates
the child has run away from placement.
(2) If available within a reasonable time and distance law enforcement
shall deliver the child to the agency DCYF.
(3) Law enforcement shall explain the reason for giving custody of the
child to the agency/DCYF, and in the written investigation.
FULL CUSTODY and DETENTION – A child victim may only be taken to Kitsap County
Juvenile Detention on the following conditions existing at the time of detainment:
(A) Arrest warrants – Warrants of arrest (and other court pickup orders
authorizing detention); or,
(B) Non-Prostitution Arrest – Probable cause exists to arrest for new crime
unrelated to prostitution or the human trafficking itself; or,
(C) Out of State Run-Away – The child has run-away or absconded from
another state (detention authorized by Interstate Compact).
C. Information Gathering
A. Anytime a member of law enforcement suspects that human trafficking may
be occurring, the officer shall write an information-only report including as
much detail as possible, even if the suspicion does not rise to the level of
probable cause to arrest.
1.) Forward to Prosecutor’s Office as Human
Trafficking/Information Only report.
2.) Forward to designated Human Trafficking detectives. (The
head of the Special Assault Unit of the Prosecutor’s Office
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 52
maintains the list of designated Human Trafficking
detectives.)
D. Prosecution Standards
A. Pimps will have absolutely no influence over how a victim’s case(s) will
be resolved, and every effort will be made to avoid any contact between the
pimp and victim.
B. “Johns” will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Some benefit may
be given to the John/defendant if their testimony is of paramount importance,
but consideration will only be made on a case-by-case basis and based upon
their successful cooperation with the prosecution of pimps.
C. Prosecution of adult victims:
1.) The goal with those charged with prostitution is to resolve with the
T.H.R.I.V.E. diversion therapeutic court, or some similar diversion
program with a focus toward rehabilitating the victim.
2.) Determination of whether to charge or not will be decided on a case
by case basis.
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 53
By signing this addendum, I pledge my office’s support to the CAC model for its
multidisciplinary child abuse intervention response as described in the protocols.
X
Cami Lewis
Kitsap SAIVS
X
Tom Wolfe
Bremerton Police Department
X
John Gese
Kitsap County Sheriff's Office
X
Carlyn Sampso
Rebuilding Hope!
X
Matt Brown
Port Orchard Police Department
X
DCYF
X
St. Michael's - CHI Franciscan
X
Ron Harding
Poulsbo Police Department
X
Joe Clark
Bainbridge Island Police Department
X
Chad Enright
Kitsap County Prosecutor's Office
Kitsap County Special Assault Investigation Protocol (February 2024 ) 54
X
YWCA
X
Rosie Garbe
Scarlet Road
AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Study Session Date: April 24, 2024
Appointments to Committees to Write
Statements “For” and “Against” EMS Levy
COUNCIL MEETING Date: May 1, 2024
Department: Fire
Presenter: A/C John Payne
Phone: (360) 473-5380
SUMMARY: City Council is required to formally appoint Committees to write statements to be
included in the Local Voter’s Pamphlet “For” and “Against” ballot measures. On April 17, 2024
Bremerton City Council passed Resolution No. 3379 to place a continuation of the Emergency
Medical Care & Services Tax Levy for a 6-year period on the August 6, 2024 Primary Ballot. The Fire
is asking for a property tax increase of $0.50 per thousand of assessed valuation. This is not a new
tax, but a continuation otherwise the funding stops.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Resolution No. 3379
FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): None
STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☐ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move to appoint ________________, _____________, and _______________ to the “For”
Statement Writing Committee for the 2024 EMS Levy measure; and
Move to appoint ________________, _____________, and ________________ to the “Against”
Statement Writing Committee for the 2024 EMS Levy measure.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action
B4
Added 4/23/24
2:37 PM
RESOLUTION NO. 3379
A RESOLUTION
SECTION 1
EMS Levy 2024
SECTION 2
THE CITY OF BREMERTON
PROPOSITION NO. 1
EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE AND SERVICES TAX LEVY
SECTION 3
SECTION 4
SECTION 5.
EMS Levy 2024
SECTION 6
SECTION 7
SECTION 8
EMS Levy 2024
2024 – 2025 City Council Goals & Priorities
As established by input at the Joint Planning Session on Feb. 24, 2024 and approved on Apr. 3, 2024
Community & Employee Engagement
1. Support development of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion position
2.Increase public engagement
i.Hold district meetings on Comprehensive Plan
ii.Develop FAQs for Council website
iii.Public outreach pre-budget season
iv.Re-establish outreach program with Bremerton High School
Economic Development
3.Continue work with the Greater Kitsap Chamber, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, Downtown
Bremerton Association, etc. to promote economic development initiatives
4.Promote economic development initiatives
i.Bremerton Creative District
ii.Main Street Certification
iii.Historic preservation policy
iv.Chronically vacant building policy development
v.Incentives & funding for commercial areas
a.Wheaton Way
b.Charleston District
Housing Equity
5.Ensure rental housing standards are met
6.Explore feasibility of using surplus city-owned parcels for affordable housing projects
7.Support creative humane housing solutions for wide variety of housing types
i.Support community partners in development of low-barrier hybrid shelter and low-income housing
ii.Continue to support creation of “missing middle” housing
iii.Review income levels for 12- and 20-year Multi-Family Tax Exemption
Parks and Environmental Stewardship
8.Develop policies that encourage environmental stewardship
9.Continue support of Kitsap Lake Water Quality Program
10.Support sustainable funding for Parks operations
Public Safety and Support
11.Increase public safety funding
12.Monitor impact of current public safety policies and programs
Transportation and Multimodal Support
13.Increase residential street maintenance funding
14.Establish ranking system for scoring transportation projects in collaboration with Public Works
15.Prioritize multimodal connectivity
i.Trail network throughout Bremerton
ii.Development of Jarstad Park to Kitsap Lake Trail
iii.Warren Ave bridge
iv.Prioritize data-based traffic-calming policy prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists
C1
C1
Handout added at Request
of Council Member Mockler
Revised 4/24/24 10:04 AM
Additional Proposed Action Step Items Council 2024-2025
Actions discussed in Council at Joint Planning Session 2/24/2024 & over 2022-2024
Revenue-generating:
1. Impose impact fees on new development, not SEPA review. [S-B]
Adds predictability for developers; increases revenue to better cover actual impacts to parks,
schools, first responders, streets, etc. (From PW Committee)
2. Charge non-residents to park at Bremerton Parks. [S-B]
Stickers for residents; requires enforcement $$; revenue stream for Parks. (From Jane R.)
3. Speed cameras for parks, schools, and school walk zones. [TMS-B&C]
“Automated safety camera” profits can be used for streets & sidewalks improvements. (From
Anna M.) RCW 46.63.170
4. Impose property tax surcharge on second residences. [Pending Legal review]
Works in other states, not sure if feasible in WA – refer to Legal. (Anna M.)
5. Increase car tab fees from $20 to $40. [TMS B-1, B-3, B-4 & C]
City Council is the Board of the Transportation Benefit District. Council can make this change
by itself, with no apparent need for public input. Brings us up to car tab fees on Bainbridge,
Poulsbo, others nearby. $$ can be used for public transit, e.g., circulator buses, or other
transportation improvement.. (Kitsap Transit Board recommendation)
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=36.73 https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=36.73.015
No fiscal impacts – all related to IPE, Increased Transparency and S-A
1. HR to require exit interviews & annual performance evaluations, to be presented to Council
monthly. Per the CR DEI study. Check w/ Legal & HR.
2. Parks and Planning Commission to report to Council monthly.
3. Complete Streets, ADA, Tree Committees to report to Council monthly.
4. Legal to seek other regular reporting requirements that may have gotten lost during
pandemic.
Other: [S-B]
1. To help Parks with Operations, increase seasonal laborer pay to $20.
Per current Parks Ops staff – “who’d want to earn $16.87 hauling trash and scrubbing
bathrooms when they could earn $20 at McDonald’s?”
C1
Handout added at Request
of Council Member Mockler
Added 4/23/24 2:37 PM
FAQ – How Do I ...?
Report an Emergency? Dial 911
Report a Non-Emergency Issue of Concern? Bremerton1
Vandalism. Flooding. Pothole. Abandoned vehicle. Encampment. For these and other non-emergency
issues, email Bremerton1@bremertonwa.gov or download the Bremerton1 app here:
https://bremerton1.bremertonwa.gov/
Find out if I live inside Bremerton City Limits?
Many Bremerton mailing addresses are actually in unincorporated Kitsap County.
https://cobgis.bremertonwa.gov/wab/Council%20Districts/
Contact my City Councilor?
https://www.bremertonwa.gov/635/Council-Districts Click on the photo of your Councilor to learn
more about them, including email address.
Find out who’s doing what, where, and when on streets and other infrastructure?
https://www.bremertonwa.gov/404/Projects
Look up property information, like owner, critical area designation, etc.?
https://psearch.kitsap.gov/psearch/
Find out who’s planning or building what and where?
You can learn about the permit application and the 14-day comment period from notices in the
Kitsap Sun, from the Notify Me webpage https://www.bremertonwa.gov/list.aspx, or from a mailed
notice sent to households less than 300 feet away. A few permit applications that aren't Type I are
posted with a notice board on-site, visible from the street.
You then call the Staff Planner listed on the notice. When you reach the Planner, you ask about
permit application by Parcel # and the File #.
The Planner will tell you when the DCD counter at Norm Dicks is open to look at the site plans and all
other permit application materials. Or you can request these materials be emailed to you (typically
very large files). Land use legal notices currently in the comment period are also posted on the DCD
webpage here.
After you review the materials, you provide comment. You can ask to see other public comments and
project plans. A list of public comments are provided with the Staff Report decision that is provided
to all interested parties, including those that commented on the permit. City staff and the applicant
separately review public comments. If a public comment is related to items within the City’s review
authority (traffic, utilities, allowed uses, etc.) those comments are analyzed by staff members
specializing in those specific disciplines for resolution. At their discretion, the applicant may choose
to alter proposed plans for items that are outside the city review authority.
Our permit processes are provided in the municipal code per BMC 20.02.
(Adapted from 8 Sept 23 email between AM and DCD; not yet reviewed by DCD 21Mar24)
Page 1 of 2
Resolve Conflict with Neighbors?
For noise complaints and violent harassment, dial 911.
For non-violent harassment, Bremerton1.
Bremerton’s Chronic Nuisance Property Ordinance can help with neighbors who rent by
working with their landlords to resolve the issue.
https://www.bremertonwa.gov/339/Chronic-Nuisance-Property-Ordinance
UTILITIES – How Do I ...?
Report a missed Waste Management pickup, change service, etc.?
800.592.9995 or wm.com/MyWM
Learn more about water, wastewater, and stormwater bills and services?
https://www.bremertonwa.gov/524/Utility-Billing
Apply for low-income senior or disabled reduction on water bills?
Details of eligibility and how to apply here: https://www.bremertonwa.gov/576/Low-Income-
Programs
Apply for low-income senior or disabled exemption or deferral on property taxes?
https://www.kitsap.gov/assessor/Pages/SeniorDisabledExemptionDeferral.aspx
Possible links to add, per Jeff & Anna 20 Mar:
Business licensing
Animal licensing
Where was my car towed to?
Outdoor burning
Page 2 of 2