Can Social Disorganization or Case Characteristics Explain Sexual Assault Case Clearances?

• NCJ Number: 240356
• Journal: Victims and Offenders Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: July - September 2012 Pages: 255-278
• Author(s): Elizabeth Ehrhardt Mustaine; Richard Tewksbury; Jay Corzine; Lin Huff-Corzine
• Date Published: July 2012
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined factors related to the clearing of criminal cases by law enforcement is an important.

Abstract

Understanding factors related to the clearing of criminal cases by law enforcement is an important, but understudied, issue in criminal justice. Through an examination of 2,437 sexual assault cases reported to the Orange County (Florida) Sheriff's Office and Orlando Police Department between 2004 and 2006, this study examines the ability of case and community characteristics to predict the outcome of investigations. Results show that ages of victims and offenders are significant predictors of cleared cases, but that measures of community social disorganization are not significantly related to sexual assault investigation outcomes. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.