Police Training and Management Impact Sexual Assault Conviction Rates in Boston

Abstract

This study attempts to explain low sexual assault conviction rates in Boston. Patrol officers are generally first-responders to emergency 911 call-ins and their task is to secure the crime scene. But often sexual assault goes unreported and first-responders can be misguided by victims as to the extent of their victimisation. However, when sex offenders are apprehended, the case is generally dismissed because of a lack of evidence or a credible witness. Do law enforcement officers intentionally overlook evidence that could lead to detection and conviction of sex offenders? The hypothesis tested was that sexual assault training and supervision styles affect the likelihood of first-responder attempts to identify and secure sexual assault evidence. To test this theory, 319 Boston officers were surveyed and eight were interviewed. The hypothesis was supported. One implication arising from the findings is that training and supervision styles affect sex offender detection and conviction rates. It is recommended that total quality management styles replace the hierarchy of command.