Utah Child-Victim Criminal Case Timeliness and Family Notification Act I am requesting a change to the current law to require a mandatory 48-hour response and follow-up to victims of crimes, particularly children, by law enforcement once a report is made.

From my personal experience with my daughter’s case, I had to call the detective assigned to her sexual assault case for two weeks before I received a call back. Throughout the process, he never reached out to me first with updates—I had to chase every piece of information. Even after a year, there is still no resolution, despite ample pieces of evidence that are in the police department's hands. 

It took six months for the rape kit to be processed and another two months before I was notified of the results—and I was not notified until I specifically asked. This caused immense emotional strain while waiting for critical evidence and action. In conjunction with this, CPS supported the allegations based on the evidence I submitted in a timely manner.

Currently, Utah Statute 77-37-3 Section H outlines that a speedy disposition of the criminal justice process is due to victims of a crime, but it does not define any specific timeframe for law enforcement response or case updates, especially in cases involving children. This needs to change. Victims and their families deserve timely communication and action, as delays in processing and response compound trauma and allow cases to stagnate without accountability.

Prompt response and follow-up—along with clearly defined deadlines—are critical to improving the justice system for victims and their families.