ST. PAUL (KFGO) – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension announced Wednesday the release of the state’s first comprehensive guidelines for law enforcement agencies handling sexual assault cases.
The new “Minnesota Guide to Sexual Assault Investigations” aims to establish uniform, victim-centered practices across all local police departments and prosecutors’ offices statewide. The guidelines cover every stage of a case, including survivor support, evidence collection, and post-conviction procedures.
State officials say the initiative seeks to eliminate disparities in how sexual assault cases are handled, ensuring survivors receive compassionate and professional care regardless of where a crime occurs.
“One of the goals of this guide is to promote consistency in investigative practices to improve outcomes for survivors,” BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said.
In 2025, local law enforcement reported 2,211 sexual assault victims across Minnesota, with investigations handled by 213 separate agencies. Although reported incidents have steadily declined over the past five years, public safety leaders emphasized that standardizing response protocols remains critical.
The publication was funded through a grant from the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. It was developed in partnership with a coalition of law enforcement, healthcare, and advocacy organizations, including the St. Paul Police Department, the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, and the Minnesota Sex Crimes Investigators Association.
Ramsey County Attorney John Choi called the release a much-needed publication while calling for continued state investment in police staffing and training.
The BCA has already begun incorporating the new guidelines into its standard sexual assault training courses for officers across Minnesota.
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