Commission debates sexual assault bill
By Kaz Komolafe | November 17, 2011The Virginia State Crime Commission debated a bill yesterday proposed by former Del. Paula Miller, D-Norfolk, which would transfer the leadership of sexual assault cases on college campuses from university police to local or state police. The commission presented its evaluation of the bill, which was introduced in January 2011, to its members, inviting members of the public to voice their opinions. Twelve people, including former University student Kathryn Russell, whose 2004 alleged rape led to the proposal of the bill, spoke on behalf of the proposed legislation. Commission members suggested that the commission update the bill to include language requiring greater collaboration between campus police and local police officials. The bill would require university police to notify the commonwealth's attorney within 24 hours of a sexual assault complaint and mandates the collaboration of university police and local police, Miller said. "There's accountability," she said.
