AR 600-20, Army Command Policy - Army Publishing Directorate ...

J–1. Purpose
Medical services offered to victims of sexual assault include the option to elect a SAFE in addition to the general
medical care related to sexual assault response. The SAFE is an examination of a sexual assault victim by a health care
provider (HCP), who, ideally, has specialized education and clinical experience in the collection of forensic evidence
and treatment of these victims. The forensic component includes gathering information from the victim for the medical
forensic history, an examination, documentation of biological and physical findings, collection of evidence from the
victim, and follow-up as needed to document additional evidence.
J–2. Process
The process for collecting and preserving sexual assault evidence under the restricted reporting option is the same as
takes place under the unrestricted reporting option, except that the restricted reporting option does not trigger the
official investigative process and any evidence collected has to be documented in a way that ensures the confidentiality
of a victim’s identity.
J–3. Procedures
Restricted reporting allows a victim of sexual assault who is a Soldier to disclose on a requested confidential basis, the
details of his or her assault to specifically identified individuals and receive medical treatment and counseling; this may
include a SAFE at the victim’s request.
a. If requested by the victim, a SAFE will be conducted by the appropriate HCP. The SAFE exam is the victim’s
option as are other general medical services related to the sexual assault.
(1) Sexual assault reporting procedures require that the SARC be notified of all incidents of reported sexual assault.
The SARC, in turn, will assign a VA to assist the victim.
(2) If a victim initially seeks assistance at a medical facility, SARC notification must not delay the treatment of any
medical conditions requiring immediate attention for the health of a victim.
(3) Once any emergent medical injuries have been treated, the SARC or VA will—
(a) Advise the victim of the reporting options available to them.
(b) Explain the benefits and limitations of each option, especially the impact of any state mandatory reporting laws
on restricted reporting.
(c) Document the reporting option the victim selects using DD Form 2910 (Victim Reporting Preference Statement).
(4) The SARC or VA will inform the victim about the availability of an optional SAFE. If a victim chooses to
undergo a SAFE, and the HCP determines a SAFE is indicated by the facts of the case, the HCP at military facilities
that possess a SAFE capability will conduct the examination.
b. Installation commanders, senior mission commanders, Joint Force Headquarters commanders, and geographically
dispersed unit commanders who do not have a military treatment facility with SAFE capability will arrange transportation
for the victim to and from a military facility or local off-base, non-military facility that has a SAFE capability.
Commanders may also contract with a local sexual assault nurse examiner or other HCPs who are trained and
credentialed to perform a SAFE, and have them report to the MTF to conduct the examination.
(1) Whenever possible, military installations should have a formal MOU in place between military facilities and offbase,
non-military facilities for the purpose of conducting a SAFE.
(2) Geographically dispersed units and RCs will pursue through coordination or formal agreements a SAFE option
for victims with supporting installation medical treatment facilities, civilian facilities, or local sexual assault nurse
examiner who are trained and credentialed to perform a SAFE.
(3) The SARC or VA will ensure that the victim is aware of any local or state mandatory sexual assault reporting
requirements that may limit the possibility of restricted reporting prior to proceeding with the SAFE at the off-base,
non-military facility.
c. For restricted reporting cases, the SARC will generate an alphanumeric restricted reporting control number
(RRCN), unique to each incident that will be used in lieu of personal-identifying information, to label and identify the
potential evidence collected from a SAFE (for example, SAFE kit, accompanying documentation and personal effects,
and clothing as appropriate). The following will also be done:
(1) Upon completion of the SAFE, the HCP will package, seal, and label the potential evidence container(s) with the
RRCN and notify the supporting provost marshal.
(2) The provost marshal will be trained and capable of collecting and preserving evidence, to assume custody of the
evidence, using established chain of custody procedures.
(3) The MOA and MOU with off-base, non-military facilities should include instructions for the notification of a
SARC regardless of whether a restricted or unrestricted report of sexual assault is involved, evidence receipt procedures,
application of an RRCN, and disposition of evidence back to the supporting provost marshal.
(4) The RRCN and general description of the potential evidence will be entered into a log to be maintained by the
provost marshal.
(5) Evidence will be stored for 1 year from the date of the victim’s restricted report of the sexual assault.
(6) At least 30 days prior to the expiration of the 1-year storage period, the supporting provost marshal will notify
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