Abstract
This study examined the association between the quality of verbal evidence in cases of sexual assault reported by adults and professionals’ (police and prosecutor) ratings of the likelihood that the cases will result in a conviction at trial. Sixteen police detectives and 19 prosecutors (all specialists in sexual assault) each read two mock sexual offence briefs of evidence, one of a case involving rape of an adult and the other involving an adult reporting historical child sexual abuse. For each case type, two versions of the briefs were developed with regard to evidence quality, which varied according to the degree of elaboration in the responses by the witnesses and suspect, and contextual evidence. Participants rated the likelihood of proceeding with a case and conviction (on 10-point likert scales) and provided a rationale for their decisions. Almost all of the participants agreed that the cases would proceed to court. However, the likelihood of conviction was not associated with the likelihood of proceeding to court, or the evidence quality of the briefs. Differences were found in both the ratings of proceeding to court and conviction, and the factors underpinning the ratings across the two professional groups. The implications of the findings for police organisations are discussed.
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Notes
An open question is one that elicits a detailed response without dictating the specific information required. Specific questions, in contrast, indicate the details required. These include closed questions which require only a yes/no or one word response (Guadagno, Hughes-Scholes, & Powell, 2013).
Sixty-four participants were invited to participate in the study, 54% of which agreed to participate.
Police were asked to rate the likelihood of authorisation, and prosecutors were asked to rate the likelihood of proceeding with the case to court.
The factors related to proceeding with a case in the study by Darwinkel et al. (2013b) changed from pre to post training. The factors listed in the current study were in line with those listed post-training. The current sample had received training as well.
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Author notes
Our thanks to the professionals involved in the current study for their support and guidance in development of the materials. Thanks also to Amber Darwinkel for assistance with coding and Bronwen Manger for assistance with the editorial process.
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Darwinkel, E., Powell, M. & Sharman, S.J. Police and Prosecutors’ Perceptions of Adult Sexual Assault Evidence Associated with Case Authorisation and Conviction. J Police Crim Psych 30, 213–220 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-015-9162-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-015-9162-9