21-05_Strangulation_Protocol

MOUNTAIN VIEW 2021 POLICE MOUNTAIN VIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT SPECIAL SERVICES SECTION TRAINING AND INFORMATION BULLETIN PAGE 1 OF 5 DATE: December 16, 2021 BULLETIN NUMBER: 21-05 SUBJECT: Forensic Medical Exams for Strangulation Victims INFORMATION: Santa Clara County has initiated a new forensic examination process for survivors of domestic violence related strangulation in the County. The purpose of the forensic exam is to evaluate medical needs and document forensic evidence for prosecutorial purposes. This procedure began with a successful pilot program in 2020 and has been expanded to all agencies in Santa Clara County. Studies over time have identified that domestic violence strangulation victims are up to seven (7) times more likely to be murdered by an intimate partner and injuries may be significant or fatal without being immediately visible to officers. In order to address these concerns at the County level, the following procedures for domestic violence strangulation (where no sexual assault is suspected or reported) cases are being added to the investigative process: • • • • When strangulation is reported or suspected, officers shall encourage victims to seek medical attention and inform them how strangulation may cause internal injuries that can be identified through a medical exam (SB 40, PC 13701(I)) Officers shall identify and document signs of strangulation along with photos of all injuries Officers shall furnish the victim with a Strangulation Resource Card Officers shall determine victim eligibility for a forensic exam based on the following criteria: 。 Strangulation victim is 12 years or older ○ Strangulation occurred within the last 14 days О Victim consents to the exam Once consent is obtained, the following procedures are to be followed: ○ Transport victim to VMC Emergency Department Once at VMC, notify the on-call Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE, formerly SART) examiner via hospital operator о Provide a briefing to the examiner and answer any questions " Examiner will take over responsibility for the victim's care and treatment 2 of 5 ☐ Examiner will notify the advocacy agency point(s) of contact о Advocates will arrange for further transportation of the victim (Officers do not need to wait for these arrangements to be made) Patrol can clear and VMC examiner can contact Officer directly for any follow up questions or needs о о VMC will forward the report and evidence to DA's Office VMC bills the Office of Gender Based Violence for all charges Patrol officers must document all factors and indicators of strangulation and complete the newly revised MVPD strangulation documentation form PD-074 (see attached form for reference) Contact CAP for any questions regarding strangulation factors or charging considerations Prepared by: Sgt. Fisher Approved by: Lt. Espitia MOUNTAIN VIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT NONFATAL STRANGULATION CASE DOCUMENTATION 3 of 5 OFFICERS SHALL READ TO VICTIM: Strangulation Admonition (PC 13701) "I have a duty to warn you that strangulation is serious and can cause internal injuries, brain damage, and/or delayed health consequences, such as strokes, thyroid issues, miscarriages, and/or death. I strongly encourage you to seek immediate medical attention at an emergency department and ask for support from an advocate." OFFICERS: To arrange a SAFE exam for a victim of strangulation, victim must be taken to VMC Emergency Department. Request hospital staff contact a SAFE nurse to respond for a SAFE strangulation exam. Officers will provide pertinent case information to SAFE staff. SAFE staff can assist with contacting advocates for transportation from the hospital if necessary. INVESTIGATION CHECKLIST Complete Lethality Assessment form and fax completed form to YWCA. Provide the victim with a domestic violence resource card. Provide the victim with a strangulation resource card. Request an Emergency Protective Order. Contact YWCA advocates: 1-800-572-2782. Photographs of: (1) injuries or lack of injuries for victim and suspect; (2) crime scene; and/or (3) physical evidence and weapons. Collect any objects or weapons used during the strangulation. Determine if either party wore any jewelry and look for any pattern of injuries. Collect clothing or bedding if urination or defecation occurred. Interview neighbors, witnesses, and reporting parties. Request 9-1-1 tape from Dispatch, if applicable. DOCUMENTATION CHART 4 of 5 Case No.: Breathing Changes Difficulty breathing Hyperventilation Unable to breathe Rapid breathing Pain while breathing Other: Victim: Voice or Vision Changes Raspy voice Hoarse voice □ Coughing Unable to speak Vision changes Swallowing Changes Trouble swallowing Painful to swallow Pain to throat Nausea/vomiting Drooling Officer: Behavioral Changes Agitation Disorientation Memory Loss Hallucinations Combativeness Other Dizzy or faint Loss of consciousness Headaches. Urination Defecation Hearing changes Use diagrams to mark visible injuries Face Red or flushed Pinpoint red spots (petechiae) Scratch marks Swelling Under Chin Redness Eyes and Eyelids Red spots in eye Right □ Left Red spots on eyelid □ Left Right Blood in eyeball Nose Bleeding Scratches or abrasions