Special Investigation Unit's Task forces

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The Chittenden Unit for Special Investigation (CUSI) was created to investigate allegations of sexual abuse. The agency found that the majority of their sexual abuse cases involve child victims, with a family member, friend, or a trusted adult as the offender. Prior to the development of CUSI, the vast majority of the cases investigated in Chittenden County were handled by uniformed patrol officers who did their best but were as a whole, ill prepared for these types of cases. Therefore, the State's Attorney and Sheriffs Office will use their FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award to greatly enhance the capabilities of Vermont's Special Investigation Units/Child Advocacy Centers by expediting the purchase of equipment needed to document and record interviews, physical crime scene evidence, victim injuries, and will allow Vermont to provide critical training to more than 140 professionals assigned to their multidisciplinary teams.

NCA/NCF