S.A.N.E. Program

Tulsa's SANE Program - An Introduction:

The Tulsa Police Department introduced the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) program in 1991 to ensure more timely and accurate collection of forensic evidence for use in prosecuting suspected rapists. SANE is a unique, community-based team approach that has become a national model for the dignified and compassionate treatment of sexual assault victims. As soon as a rape is reported in Tulsa, a police officer is dispatched to the scene. Simultaneously a SANE nurse and a Call Rape volunteer are called to a quiet, comfortable suite at a local hospital, where all area rape exams are performed. When the victim arrives, he or she is examined immediately. The Call Rape volunteer provides support to the victim throughout the exam.

Tulsa SANE was involved in founding the International Association of Forensic Nurses and all SANE nurses are members of this organization.

Innovations for State and Local Government

SANE received the 1994 Innovations for State and Local Government Award. The Ford Foundation established this award program to recognize exemplary new programs and policies that address important social and economic issues. The program is administered by the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. The program acknowledges the growing responsibilities of state and local jurisdictions for meeting public needs and highlights the creative approaches devised to meet those needs. SANE was selected from over thirteen hundred applications as one of ten programs throughout the country that met all requirements to receive the award.

SANE Mission

The SANE mission is to provide professional, compassionate and timely collection of forensic evidence. SANE offers this service to victims of rape in Tulsa County as well as parts of Osage and Wagoner counties. SANE fosters growth and development of similar programs throughout the nation by setting standards and offering education to these communities.

For More Information Contact:

Kathy Bell, R.N.
SANE Coordinator at the Tulsa Police Department
600 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK 74103
(918) 596-7608