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Strategic, Victim-Centered Community Responses –
Redefining Our Success
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Presenters: |
Joanne
Archambault, Sgt., SDPD Sex Crimes Unit
Patti Powers, JD, Senior
Prosecuting Attorney, Yakima, WA
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Date/Time:
March 13, 2002, 10:10-11:40 am |
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Abstract: |
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Investigating and prosecuting sexual assaults is a privilege and yet a very tough job. Criminal Justice administrators must recognize this fact and create an environment which supports and mentors professionals who work in this difficult field.
Because of the complexity of these cases and the dynamics of sexual assault, a multi-disciplinary community response is absolutely necessary to successfully respond to crimes of sexual violence. Sharing responsibility and resources also enhances our success and helps a jury to understand the significant impact these crimes have on the community.
Traditional criminal justice measurements currently used to evaluate our success must be challenged, i.e., an arrest statistic is not an effective evaluation tool. One must question the outcome of the arrest. For example, a premature arrest might be the easiest and quickest field response, but serves no purpose if a thorough investigation isn’t completed. A law enforcement officer’s first responsibility is to “protect and serve” regardless of the potential for successful prosecution. Therefore, a law enforcement officer is successful when he or she provides the best, most professional services possible, regardless of whether the prosecutor can file charges or whether the jury convicts. Likewise, prosecutors have the responsibility of focusing on protecting the victim and establishing offender accountability in the context of community based problem solving.
At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to:
- Envision a new view of the multi-dimensional nature of violence itself
- Identify the frequent interrelationship of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse/neglect and elder abuse
- Identify the advantages of
multi-disciplinary community responses and collaboration
- Discuss the development and utilization of local expertise to respond to challenged financial resources in both urban and rural jurisdictions
- Identify obstacles that deter law enforcement agencies and prosecutors from creating specialized units
- Discuss ways to overcome these obstacles by identifying needs and promoting accomplishments
- Recognize that police culture must change to recognize and reward officers and detectives who appropriately respond to violence against women and children
- Understand that success must be redefined. Prosecutors and officers need to be recognized for the process and not necessarily the final outcome.
- Understand how current statistical evaluation methods used by law enforcement agencies and the community contribute to a false view of criminal justice outcomes
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Go To:
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> Joanne
Archambault's Bio Page
> Patti Powers'
Bio Page
> Main
Conference Page
> Registration Form
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