The mission of the Sexual Assault Unit is to investigate sexual assault crimes and prepare and present cases for review and prosecution by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office. In cooperation with the community and other police and criminal justice agencies, we seek to educate the public in the prevention of these crimes.

Commanded by Lieutentant Mark Hayes and located organizationally within the Family Justice Division headed by Deputy Superintendant Margot Hill, the Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) serves as the follow-up unit responsible for investigating all reports of sexual assaults within the City of Boston. According to procedure, local police districts are required to contact the SAU whenever an incident involving a sexual assault is reported. The SAU then assigns a unit detective to investigate the matter. Presently, there are thirteen detectives and five supervisors assigned to the unit. Three unit detectives are designated to investigate referral cases from the Department of Social Services (DSS) routed through the Suffolk County District Attorney's Child Abuse Unit. SAU has four assigned Sexual Assault Liaisons who assist the unit detectives, supervisors, other police personnel and the public. Additionally, there are three police officers assigned to the Sex Offender Registry (SORI) Unit.

Other duties performed by the SAU include:

• Investigation of child pornography and exploitation cases. In conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police and Federal Agencies, SAU is a member of the Massachusetts Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
• Implementation and delivery of the Sexual Harassment & Assault Prevention Education (SHAPE) curriculum to requesting Boston Public Middle and High Schools. The SHAPE program was developed by SAU personnel to address the educational needs of Boston's youth as indicated by community representatives.
• Direct assistance to all Boston Public Schools by two designated unit detectives who are proficient in responding to the unique issues associated with the school environment.

SAU also retains a licensed social worker housed at our offices. The social worker is responsible for providing services, referrals and other assistance to individuals impacted by sexual assault. The social worker is assigned to the Boston Police Department Youth Service Providers Network.

Sexual Assault Unit detectives are available for response 24 hours a day.

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