This bill amends the training requirements for county prosecutors and assistant prosecutors handling sexual assault cases in New Jersey. It changes the training frequency from triennial to biennial and expands the curriculum to include components on cultural competency, emotional intelligence, and victim-centered approaches, emphasizing trauma-informed care and the importance of maintaining victim autonomy. The bill also mandates that the Division of Criminal Justice review the training curriculum annually, rather than every five years, and requires in-person training every two years instead of six. Additionally, the Attorney General is tasked with implementing a compliance evaluation system, including periodic audits of county prosecutors' offices.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the structure of the sexual assault unit within the Division of Criminal Justice by requiring the inclusion of a rape care advocate alongside the existing roles of a sexual assault investigator and a certified forensic sexual assault nurse examiner. This unit will also provide ongoing training to law enforcement and prosecutors, ensuring that all training complies with the updated requirements. Overall, the bill aims to improve the handling of sexual assault cases through enhanced training and support for prosecutors, ultimately benefiting victims and the justice process.

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