The Vision Behind SAPPHIRES

From Investigation to Education, Prevention, and Empowerment

Detective Sergeant Mona Patterson has led the Flint Police Department’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Unit since 2015. While the original mission of the initiative focused on addressing previously unsubmitted sexual assault kits and pursuing accountability through investigation and prosecution, Sergeant Patterson recognized early that testing kits alone would not address the full range of needs experienced by survivors.

Given the opportunity to develop the unit, a multidisciplinary team was designed to provide a more comprehensive and coordinated response to sexual assault. The team was intentionally structured to include two investigators, a program coordinator, finance coordinator, Identification Bureau clerk, victim advocate, and prosecuting attorney. Each role became an important part of creating a continuum of services that supports survivors while also promoting investigative integrity, accountability, advocacy, and access to justice.

Through years of working with survivors, investigators, prosecutors, advocates, and community partners, Sergeant Patterson recognized another important need that education and prevention must extend beyond the walls of law enforcement.

That realization became the foundation for SAPPHIRES: Standing Against Predators and Pedophiles, Honoring Individual Rights, and Empowering Survivors

SAPPHIRES was created from the belief that meaningful change occurs when survivors are supported, professionals work collaboratively, and communities are given the knowledge and resources necessary to recognize, prevent, report, and respond to victimization.

Sergeant Patterson envisioned an initiative that would not only address crimes after they occurred but would also work toward preventing future victimization through education, awareness, collaboration, and community engagement.

From that vision, the SAPPHIRES Conference was developed.

The conference brings together individuals from multiple areas of the criminal justice system and the community, including law enforcement professionals, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, investigators, victim advocates, service providers, community leaders, and residents. Bringing these voices together provides an opportunity for open communication, professional education, shared learning, and a greater understanding of the responsibilities and challenges faced by each discipline.

The purpose is greater than hosting a conference. SAPPHIRES seeks to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community, strengthen partnerships, encourage accountability, empower survivors, and provide education that may assist in preventing sexual assault, human trafficking, child exploitation, and other major crimes.