NCJ Number
192422
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 28 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2001 Pages: 695-730
Date Published
December 2001
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This paper reports on an evaluation of an experimental training program at a Midwestern police academy designed to instruct officers in how to interview sexual assault victims.
Abstract
In Study 1 of the evaluation, one class of police recruits participated in a typical training protocol (n=56), and two classes attended the experimental program (n=105). The experimental training program was presented in three instructional units: provisions of the Illinois Criminal Sexual Assault Act (60 minutes); the dynamics and preliminary investigation of sexual assault (90 minutes); and sexual assault impact and interview (60 minutes). Outcomes were compared with quantitative measures and qualitative analysis of performance in a simulated sexual assault interview. In Study 2, outcomes were assessed before the experimental program, after classroom instruction but before a simulated interview, after classroom instruction and a simulated interview, and after classroom instruction and two simulated interviews. Results of the evaluation suggest that specialized training is effective in improving behavioral performance but not cognitive or attitudinal outcomes. Taken in combination, the two studies call into question the utility of knowledge tests as an evaluation of performance and challenge law enforcement trainers and administrators to think creatively about measures that will more accurately assess the desired changes in police performance. 3 tables, 9 notes, and 63 references