A police specialist rape investigation unit: a comparative analysis of performance and victim care

Abstract

This article examines quantitative and qualitative data in an analysis of the workings of a specialist rape investigation unit and compares its performance with a non-specialist investigative approach over a two-year period. Prior to this study, no robust research that compares specialist and non-specialist rape investigations has been conducted. The research finds that the specialist unit outperformed the non-specialist investigative approach in many, though not all performance measures, including charging and 'reached court' rates in rape cases, retention of cases characterised by complex victim vulnerability, allocation of Sexual Assault Investigation Trained (SAIT) officers, rate of referral to Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) and accuracy of crime recording. Further, police officer interview data suggests that team working and support, communication and a sense of common purpose were definitive features of the specialist unit, when contrasted to experience of working in a non-specialist policing environment. These findings have policy and resource implications for the policing of rape and the need to achieve the best possible investigative standards in sexual offence cases, including the provision of appropriate care and addressing the needs of highly vulnerable victims. The article concludes by arguing that there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that investigative specialism is a crucial element in the police response to rape.

Refocusing Rape Investigations: A Commentary on Research Supporting Operation Soteria Bluestone

“…A further evaluation of Bluestone 1 was carried out by Rumney et al (2020). Here they undertook a comparison between Bristol Bluestone and a non-specialist rape investigation comparator.…”

“…Figure 1 also shows, despite the Government's commitment to increase officer numbers, that the present force establishment both nationally and for Avon and Somerset have not yet returned to pre austerity levels. Rumney et al (2020) suggested that in the context of austerity and cuts in funding, the police were forced to re-assess their strategies regarding sexual offences specialist units.…”

The attrition problem: The role of police officer's decision making in rape cases

“…A recent study highlights the positive impact rape units can achieve, Rumney et al. (2019) carried out a case file analysis and conducted interviews with nine officers based in rape units from Avon and Somerset constabulary. The analysis found rape units incite a higher likelihood of prosecution, victim retention, and victim referrals to support services.…”

“…There are now specially trained officers with expertise in investigating rape offences, in some police forces they also have specialist units that primarily work on rape cases. A recent study highlights the positive impact rape units can achieve, Rumney et al (2019) carried out a case file analysis and conducted interviews with nine officers based in rape units from Avon and Somerset constabulary. The analysis found rape units incite a higher likelihood of prosecution, victim retention, and victim referrals to support services.…”

An Economic Evaluation of the Impact of Using Rapport-Based Interviewing Approaches With Child Sexual Abuse Suspects

“…For example, multi-agency teams improve case outcomes following child abuse; specifically, child abuse assessment centres ( Joa and Edelson, 2004 ) and child advocacy centres ( Nwogu et al, 2015 ; Herbert and Bromfield, 2016 , 2019a , b ; Bracewell, 2018 ; Herbert et al, 2018 ). Rumney et al (2020) also considered the case outcome benefits associated with police specialist rape investigation units, whilst Cloutier (2020) considered the use of specialised courts for sexual crimes. A number of studies have tested the efficacy of medical forensic examinations in helping to improve case outcomes following sexual violence (e.g., Menaker et al, 2017 ; Kjaerulff et al, 2019 ; La Harpe et al, 2019 ).…”