ALCOAST 299/23 - AUG 2023 POLICY CHANGE TO THE COAST GUARD SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY PROGRAM

R 171200Z AUG 23 MID600053262076U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 299/23
SSIC 1754
SUBJ: POLICY CHANGE TO THE COAST GUARD SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION,
RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY PROGRAM
A. Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery (SAPRR)
Program, COMDTINST 1754.10F
1. This ALCOAST updates REF (A) by correcting minor typographical
errors, clarifying the timeline for referral of information to the
Office of the Chief Prosecutor, expanding eligibility for SAPRR
services, and clarifying SAPRR CIT meetings.
2. Effective immediately, Ch. 1.A.2 is modified to read:
"Retains final appeal authority for revocation of SAPRR personnel
credentials."
3. Effective immediately, Ch. 1.A.3 is modified to read: "Refers all
requests for non-chargeable convalescent leave exceeding 30
consecutive days to the appropriate decision authority, the
Secretary of Homeland Security."
4. Effective immediately, Ch. 1.B.17 is added to read: "Retains
authority to revoke or suspend NOVA credentials for SAPRR
personnel."
5. Effective immediately, Ch. 1.H.1 is modified to read: "The Office
of the Chief Prosecutor (OCP) oversees the special trial counsel
assigned to the Coast Guard. For offenses occurring on or after
27 December 2023, a Special Trial Counsel (STC) has "exclusive
authority" to exercise court-martial jurisdiction over certain
"covered offenses" (including sexual assault), related offenses, and
any other offense known to have been committed by an accused of a
covered offense. An STC's authority includes the determination
whether an offense is covered, known, or related."
6. Effective immediately, Ch. 2.B.3.a is modified to read: "All Area
command cutters, 225 WLBs, and CGC MACKINAW shall have one trained,
credentialed, and appointed VVA aboard when deployed."
7. Effective immediately, Ch. 2.C.17 is modified to read: "For
offenses occurring on or after 27 December 2023, refer any
misconduct committed by a sexual assault victim, a bystander aiding
a victim of sexual assault, or a witness who reports the assault to
the OCP. The OCP has exclusive decisional authority for collateral
misconduct committed during, or in connection with, a covered
offense (sexual assault). The OCP is responsible for communication
with the SLO, the victim's SVC (if one is appointed), and the
command regarding any action taken in relation to misconduct
committed by a victim, witness, or bystander." Prior to 27 December
2023, Commanding Officers and Officers in Charge shall consult with
the servicing legal office before taking action on collateral
misconduct.
8. Effective immediately, Ch. 4.A.2.b and Ch. 4.A.2.c are deleted,
extending full SAPRR services to former recruits and former Coast
Guard Academy cadets.
9. Effective immediately, Chapter 5.A.1.e. is modified to read only
that: "An SVC may be invited to a SAPRR CIT as a representative of
the victim." The remainder of the paragraph is deleted.
10. Effective immediately, Chapter 5.A.1.f. adds SVC to the first
sentence: "The initial meeting of the SAPRR CIT will only involve
the required stakeholders, as well as a Coast Guard medical officer,
SVC and/or chaplain if requested."
11. Effective immediately, a new Chapter 5.A.1.j. is added to read:
"There are certain matters that should not be discussed at SAPRR CIT
meetings, such as requesting or discussing details about an ongoing
investigation. Commanders are reminded that CIT meetings are not the
appropriate forum to discuss case disposition or to seek command
legal advice on case disposition. The members should also take every
precaution to safeguard the victim's privacy, particularly with
regards to details about the victim's medical and mental health
care."
12. All references to COMDT (CG-11) are deemed to refer to
COMDT (CG-1K). All other provisions contained in the Coast Guard
SAPRR Program remain in effect.
13. These changes will be incorporated in the next update to REF (A)
which will be released within the next year.
14. This message will be cancelled on 16 AUG 2024.
15. Questions regarding these changes should be directed to COMDT
(CG-1K4) at: SAPRR-Guidance@uscg.mil.
16. RADM Dana Thomas, Assistant Commandant for Health, Safety, and
Work-Life (CG-1K), sends.
17. Internet release is authorized.