Who comprises the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)?

The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is specifically designed to provide a coordinated and effective response to sexual assault incidents, particularly within detention facilities. It typically includes individuals who have specialized training and expertise relevant to handling these sensitive situations.

The selection of the PREA Coordinator and Jail Crimes Investigators as part of SART is significant because they play essential roles in ensuring compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and investigating allegations of sexual assault within correctional settings. The PREA Coordinator focuses on establishing policies, training, and measures to prevent sexual abuse, while Jail Crimes Investigators are tasked with conducting thorough investigations into reported incidents, ensuring that victims receive the appropriate support and that perpetrators are held accountable.

In contrast, while judges and officers may be involved in the judicial process following an incident, they do not typically form part of the SART. Similarly, community leaders and medical staff, while important in a broader community response, do not centralize their efforts specifically within the detainment context as SART members do. Lastly, family members of inmates are not included in this team, as the focus is on professional and trained individuals who can directly address the complexities surrounding sexual assault cases in a detention environment.