Stratford Police Review

Sunday, 6 August 2017 07:27

Stratford Police will be making some changes in the way they deal with sexual assault occurrences.

STRATFORD - Stratford Police have done an extensive review on their sexual assault occurrences from 2010 to 2014.

The review was done internally by Stratford Police and externally by the Peel Regional Police and highlighted some areas where they could improve. They looked at the 114 sexual assaults from 2010 to 2014 and found that 21 of those or 18.4% were determined to be unfounded.

That is slightly below the national average of 19%. A series of recommendations from the Police Chief are aimed at improving and enhancing victim care and investigations around sexual assault in Stratford.

Unified Crime Reporting (UCR) coding:

- Ensure accurate reporting, clearing and coding of sexual assaults to Statistics Canada.

- Niche Coordinator trained in proper coding of offences and reporting to Statistics Canada, with this coding reviewed by a supervisor.

- Review of UCR-coded unfounded sexual assault cases from 2000-2017

Investigations:

- Continued evidence-based approach to sexual assault investigations and continued partnerships with the Crown Attorney’s office to ensure successful prosecutions.

- To ensure consistent investigations, victim assistance and care, as well as accurate UCR coding, the Police Service will begin case conferences at the conclusion of every sexual assault investigation with a direct supervisor and the Inspector in charge of Investigative Support.

- Patrol officers will receive additional training in receiving initial disclosure of sexual assault investigations through Investigative Support Services General Orders.

- A review of the Stratford Police Services’ General Orders in relation to investigating sexual assaults, criminal investigation management plan and victim assistance

Victimology:

- Implementation of the Philadelphia Model of sexual assault review

- Continued partnerships with the sexual assault working group, Optimism Place, Emily Murphy Centre, Victim/Witness Assistance Program and Victim Services

- Participate in trauma informed care training provided by the Emily Murphy Centre

- Advocate for evidentiary “sexual assault kits” to be provided locally, instead of requiring victims to travel to hospitals in Kitchener or London