For this Project, you are to assume the role as Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) of a large police department. Recently, you were approached by another department’s Chief (located in Maryland) that has received criticism for its handling of several sexual assault investigations. Complaints from survivors, and advocates sitting in on law enforcement interviews, included insensitive treatment during interviews, victim-blaming questions, issues with language used in reporting documentation (i.e. had sexual intercourse v. nonconsensual sexual assault) lack of consistent follow-up and communication, and failure to provide information about supportive services during and beyond the investigation.
 
You have been approached because your department underwent significant changes and updated Standard Operating Procedures to ensure investigative approaches are consistent with trauma-informed practices. From this, community assessments of survivors’ experiences have shown increased trust in the reporting process, improved community-police relationships, and an overall increase in reports of sexual assault.
 
For this Project, you have been asked to provide a department training and procedures guide for the Chief of the partner department that includes recommendations on investigations techniques and treatment of sexual assault survivors.
 
Required Research