DEPARTMENT: Police
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Anthony Trevino, Interim Chief of Police
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Contracts for Sexual Assault/Abuse Examinations
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the City Manager or her designated representative to enter into contracts with Methodist Healthcare System, of San Antonio, LTD. LLP, d/b/a/ Methodist Hospital (campus of Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital) and Christus Santa Rosa Health System d/b/a Children's Hospital of San Antonio to provide specialized sexual assault /abuse examinations for a total amount of approximately $560,000.00 annually, funded from the Police Department's general fund budget. These contracts will begin April 1, 2015 and expire March 31, 2018, with possible two one-year extensions.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Previously the City had three contracts to provide specialized sexual assault /abuse examinations (Christus Santa Rosa Health Care, Methodist Heathcare System and Child Safe); however, the medical component of ChildSafe moved to Christus Santa Rosa Health System and became the Center for Miracles. The purpose of these contracts is to secure services to conduct specialized sexual assault/abuse examinations. The examinations will allow for evidence gathering used in the prosecution of these cases. Texas Code of Criminal Procedures, Article 56.06, Section A, requires an investigating law enforcement agency that requests a medical examination of a victim of an alleged episode of sexual assault/abuse to pay for the cost of the exam. A public health and safety waiver was obtained for the continuation of these services.
The contract with Christus Santa Rosa Health System is for persons eighteen (18) years of age and younger and is estimated to provide about 450 exams for a total amount of $315,000.00 a year. The contract with Methodist Healthcare System is for persons thirteen (13) years of age and older and is estimated to provide about 436 exams for a total amount of $245,000.00 a year. The average expense for an examination is $442.00 and does not exceed $700. 00.
All personnel who perform any part of the services shall meet and maintain all minimum requirements set by federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, all licensing and training agreements.
The Texas Attorney General Office Crime Victim's Compensation (CVC) will reimburse SAPD through their Sexual Assault Examination Reimbursement Program for eligible costs of a forensic examination upon submission of applications. The average reimbursement for an examination is $442.00.
ISSUE:
This ordinance will support the City's efforts in addressing sexual assault/abuse.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedures, Article 56.06, Section A, requires an investigating law enforcement agency that requires a medical examination of a victim of an alleged episode of sexual assault/abuse to pay for the cost of the exam.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds are available for this expenditure in the Police Department's General Fund Budget. Expenditures for sexual assault/abuse examinations for future years will be budgeted in the Police Department's General Fund budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council approve the contracts for implementation.