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SFPD creates Special Victims Unit to consolidate domestic violence, child abuse and human-trafficking responses
Summary
Chief Greg Sur and Captain Denise Flaherty described the newly formed Special Victims Unit (SVU), combining multiple units to provide cross-trained investigators, increased victim services and U Visa certification work; SVU reported 318 U Visa requests in 2011 and expects to review about 994 cases this year on the department's end.
San Francisco Police Chief Greg Sur and Capt. Denise Flaherty updated the joint commissions on the newly consolidated Special Victims Unit, which brings domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking and internet crimes against children under one command.
"Experience has shown domestic violence, child abuse, and elder abuse can no longer be looked at as individual areas of investigation," Flaherty said, describing SVU's cross-training model. She said SVU now has 40 members with 20 investigators cross-trained in domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse, supplemented by financial-crime investigators assigned to elder-abuse matters.
Flaherty also described the department's role in certifying U Visa applications, a law-enforcement tool that helps victims and witnesses apply for temporary immigration relief. "In 2011, we received 318 requests for U Visas. This year, we expect to review 994 cases," she said, while noting the final determination is made by U.S. immigration authorities and that approvals are subject to federal caps.
Chief Sur reiterated department efforts to keep victims safe regardless of immigration status, affirmed the city's sanctuary policies and outlined planned hiring to address a staffing shortfall of roughly 300 officers cited in the presentation.
