The Sexual Assault Unit is staffed by four investigators and one supervisor, who are responsible for the investigation of all sexual assaults within the Niagara Region where the victim is at least sixteen years of age at the time of reporting. The unit was formed in 1996 in recognition of the need for specialized skills sets in the investigation of sexual offences, and formation was based on the recommendations from Justice Campbell’s review of the Green Ribbon Task Force.

The supervisor in the unit also serves as the supervisor for the operations within the services Offender Management Unit and acts as the DNA Coordinator for the service, tasked with providing assistance to all service members in relation to the preparation of DNA search warrants issued pursuant to the Criminal Code and the administrative duties relating to the DNA Data Bank legislation.

The Sexual Assault Unit operates from the NRPS Headquarters building at 110 James Street in St. Catharines, and is equipped with specially designed interview rooms designed to provide comfort and a discrete environment for victims. The unit historically investigates between 170 and 200 complaint per year. The unit is utilized as a resource for District Detective Offices and may conduct other investigations under the direction of the Chief of Police.

The Sexual Assault Unit works closely with the Sexual Assault / Domestic Violence Treatment Centre of the Niagara Health System, St. Catharines General Hospital site, the Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre (CARSA), the Crown Attorney’s offices, the Victim Witness Assistance Programme and Victim Services Niagara. These organizations are committed to providing a victim centered approach to sexual offences and have entered into a Protocol that outlines each agencies role and responsibilities. Collectively these organizations have been a part of the Making A Difference Canada Project since 2004 and are recognized as leaders in Canada, in the field of collaboration in sexual assault prosecutions, prevention and victim support services.

The protocol consists of:

• statement and principles
• responsibilities and commitments of each agency
• general intervention principles
• confidentiality clauses
• community resources

Information about the protocol may be accessed by contacting any of the involved agencies.

To initiate a report of a sexual assault to the Niagara Regional Police Service, you may contact the uniform branch that patrols your particular city or town and have a uniformed officer attend at your residence to take the initial report, or you may contact the supervisor in the Sexual Assault Unit and speak directly with that officer. … continued as currently exists.