This bill amends existing training requirements for county prosecutors and assistant prosecutors handling sexual assault cases in New Jersey. It changes the training frequency from triennial to biennial, requiring prosecutors to complete in-person training every two years. The curriculum will now include additional components such as cultural competency, emotional intelligence, and victim-centered approaches, emphasizing trauma-informed care and the importance of maintaining victim autonomy. The Division of Criminal Justice is tasked with reviewing the training curriculum annually, as opposed to the previous five-year review period.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Attorney General to implement a compliance evaluation system, which includes periodic audits of county prosecutors' offices and mechanisms to address noncompliance. Additionally, it expands the sexual assault unit within the Division of Criminal Justice to include a rape care advocate alongside the existing roles of a sexual assault investigator and a certified forensic sexual assault nurse examiner. These changes aim to enhance the handling and investigation of sexual assault cases, ensuring that victims receive appropriate support and that prosecutors are well-equipped to manage these sensitive cases.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:4B-55, 52:4B-56