Police Perceptions Research by Venama (2014) noted low levels of reporting including the examination of law enforcement perspectives on sexual assault and how those perceptions may influence decision making warrant more exploration. Sleath and Bull (2017) who conducted a systematic review over 24 published articles regarding police perceptions of rape victims and the impact on case decision making found that some police officers hold problematic attitudes about rape victims, although this is frequently at a low level. What is still unclear, according to Sleath and Bull (2017) is how the assessment of victim credibility, such as characteristics of the victim, or alcohol intoxication, impacts the police investigative decision making process
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There have been few studies that have examined police officer’s perceptions and decision making process of rape and sexual assault cases. Sleath and Bull (2017) conducted a systematic review of twenty-four published articles between 2000 and 2016 and found that a low level of police officers hold problematic attitudes about rape victims such as blaming and rape myth acceptance. Their research also found that certain characteristics such as alcohol intoxication and emotional expression impacted the victim’s credibility. According to Venema (2014) who explored police officer understanding of sexual assault and characteristics that influence their perception found, “even fewer studies have included a police officer’s own account of the factors that influence their initial perceptions of the case and their subsequent response” (p. 873). Research by Darwinkel, Powell, & Sharman (2015) of 16 police officers and 19 prosecutor’s perceptions found that case outcomes were predicated on the presence or lack of corroborative evidence such as the victim’s behavior and credibility, the suspects behavior and credibility and the victims …show more content…
Regardless of decision-making power, Venema (2014) explained that police officers described the effect of their response on the process and the outcomes of the case. This might be difficult for police officers to comprehend or to be satisfied with if they see the only solution to success as making an arrest. This is important to note as research from Lonsway (2012) asked, “Are arrest rates a meaningful indicator of success?” As there may be other ways to benefit the victim without making an arrest, especially if police officers feel they don’t have decision-making power in these cases. Other methods of success could include treating the victim with dignity and respect, believing what they say, getting victims the medical and advocacy resources they deserve, letting them have some control over the situation. Research by Patterson & Tringali (2015) found that empowering victims such as providing emotional support, assessing and addressing their immediate needs, withholding blame and judgment, and offering options to the victim throughout their interactions could influence their engagement with the criminal justice system. This made victims feel like someone was on their side and cared
There have been few studies that have examined police officer’s perceptions and decision making process of rape and sexual assault cases. Sleath and Bull (2017) conducted a systematic review of twenty-four published articles between 2000 and 2016 and found that a low level of police officers hold problematic attitudes about rape victims such as blaming and rape myth acceptance. Their research also found that certain characteristics such as alcohol intoxication and emotional expression impacted the victim’s credibility. According to Venema (2014) who explored police officer understanding of sexual assault and characteristics that influence their perception found, “even fewer studies have included a police officer’s own account of the factors that influence their initial perceptions of the case and their subsequent response” (p. 873). Research by Darwinkel, Powell, & Sharman (2015) of 16 police officers and 19 prosecutor’s perceptions found that case outcomes were predicated on the presence or lack of corroborative evidence such as the victim’s behavior and credibility, the suspects behavior and credibility and the victims …show more content…
Regardless of decision-making power, Venema (2014) explained that police officers described the effect of their response on the process and the outcomes of the case. This might be difficult for police officers to comprehend or to be satisfied with if they see the only solution to success as making an arrest. This is important to note as research from Lonsway (2012) asked, “Are arrest rates a meaningful indicator of success?” As there may be other ways to benefit the victim without making an arrest, especially if police officers feel they don’t have decision-making power in these cases. Other methods of success could include treating the victim with dignity and respect, believing what they say, getting victims the medical and advocacy resources they deserve, letting them have some control over the situation. Research by Patterson & Tringali (2015) found that empowering victims such as providing emotional support, assessing and addressing their immediate needs, withholding blame and judgment, and offering options to the victim throughout their interactions could influence their engagement with the criminal justice system. This made victims feel like someone was on their side and cared