Melbourne Police Produce Stellar Results Over Sexual Assault Investigations

By  //  July 30, 2015

comprehensive system to assist victims

After a national news article concerning the handling of sexual assault evidence kits and sexual assault investigations overall, the Melbourne Police Department has completed a review of sexual assault investigations handled by the agency over the past 10 years. (Melbourne Police image)
After a national news article concerning the handling of sexual assault evidence kits and sexual assault investigations overall, the Melbourne Police Department has completed a review of sexual assault investigations handled by the agency over the past 10 years. (Melbourne Police image)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — After a national news article concerning the handling of sexual assault evidence kits and sexual assault investigations overall, the Melbourne Police Department has completed a review of sexual assault investigations handled by the agency over the past 10 years.

“The news reports about the methodology of sexual assault investigations recently made us take a closer look at our practices to ensure we were doing the best we could with these sensitive crimes.,” said Chief Steve Mimbs.

“It is refreshing to see that our criminal investigative unit has been doing a stellar job with these investigations. Sexual assault investigations take a huge toll on the victim, and the victim is the priority.”

In the past 10 years, three sexual assault evidence kits were not sent off to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for testing.

This number is less than 2 percent of all sexual assault kits received by the agency. In each of these cases, the kit was not sent to the laboratory due to a change in the investigative nature of the case.

“The Melbourne Police Department is here to support any persons who feel they have been victimized by a sexual assault by conducting a thorough investigation as well as giving you access to our Victim’s Advocate Unit who will assist you throughout the process,” said Chief Mimbs.

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Earlier this week, members of the Melbourne Police Department Command Staff met with the leadership of the Brevard branch of the National Organization of Women (NOW) to increase victim advocacy programs offered by the Melbourne Police Department.

“This partnership is going to provide a more comprehensive system to assist victims of these types of crimes,” said Mimbs.