§ 1940 - Task forces; specialized investigative units; boards; grants
§ 1940. Task forces; specialized investigative units; boards; grants
(a) Pursuant to the authority established under section 1938 of this title, and in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, investigative agencies, victims' advocates and social service providers, the department of state's attorneys and sheriffs shall coordinate efforts to provide access in each region of the state to special investigative units to investigate sex crimes, child abuse, domestic violence, or crimes against those with physical or developmental disabilities. The general assembly intends that access to special investigative units be available to all Vermonters as soon as reasonably possible, but not later than July 1, 2009.
(b) A task force or specialized investigative unit organized and operating under this section may accept, receive, and disburse in furtherance of its duties and functions any funds, grants, and services made available by the state of Vermont and its agencies, the federal government and its agencies, any municipality or other unit of local government, or private or civic sources. Any employee covered by an agreement establishing a special investigative unit shall remain an employee of the donor agency.
(c) A specialized investigative unit grants board is created which shall be comprised of the attorney general, the secretary of administration, the executive director of the department of state's attorneys, the commissioner of the department of public safety, a representative of the Vermont sheriffs' association, a representative of the Vermont association of chiefs of police, the executive director of the center for crime victim services, and the executive director of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, Inc. Specialized investigative units organized and operating under this section for the investigation of sex crimes, child abuse, elder abuse, domestic violence, or crimes against those with physical or developmental disabilities may apply to the board for a grant or grants covering the costs of salaries and employee benefits to be expended during a given year for the performance of unit duties as well as unit operating costs for rent, utilities, equipment, training, and supplies. Grants under this section shall be approved by a majority of the entire board and shall not exceed 50 percent of the yearly salary and employee benefit costs of the unit. Preference shall be given to grant applications which include the participation of the department of public safety, the department for children and families, sheriffs' departments, community victims' advocacy organizations, and municipalities within the region.
(d) The board may adopt rules relating to grant eligibility criteria, processes for applications, awards, and reports related to grants authorized pursuant to this section. The attorney general shall be the adopting authority. (Added 2005, No. 83, § 12; amended 2005, No. 192 (Adj. Sess.), § 5, eff. May 26, 2006; 2009, No. 1, § 52a, eff. March 4, 2009.)