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                            Library & Multimedia
 What happens when sexual assault kits go untested? A focal concerns analysis of suspect identification and police pre-arrest decisions
NCJ Number
              302983
Journal

*Journal of Criminal Justice* Volume: 76 Dated: September–October 2021
Author(s)
          Bradley A. Campbell;
                        William Wells;
                        William R. King
Date Published

October 2021
Annotation
              Using data collected from a sample of cases associated with untested sexual assault kits (SAKs), this study used focal concerns theory – a framework that identifies themes relevant to criminal justice practitioners' decision-making processes – to assess the correlates of suspect identification and officers' pre-arrest decision to present a case to prosecutors.
Abstract
              The study estimated two logistic regression models. The first model examined the ability of investigators to identify a suspect in the full sample (N = 444). The second model examined officers' decision to present cases to the prosecutor in a subsample of cases in which a suspect was identified (N = 293). The study found that the odds of suspect identification increased when victims cooperated with investigators and witnesses were available and decreased in stranger cases and when victim credibility concerns were present in police reports. Cases were more likely to be presented to a prosecutor when victims cooperated with police, witnesses were available, suspects confessed to the crime, and suspects had a history of arrest. The study recommends that researchers continue to examine pre-arrest investigative actions to inform policy and training aimed at improving  victim engagement and reducing case attrition. In addition, SAKs should be tested to aid investigators in identifying suspects in stranger cases. (publisher abstract modified)
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2011-DN-BX-0002
                                2018-DUBX-0225


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)


  
  
        
  Award
        Action Research to Enhance Investigations and Prosecutions of Sexual Assaults in Houston
    
  
  
Date Published: October 1, 2021
    
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        Suspect identification



  
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