Methods to Document Homicide & Sex Assault Investigative Practices

• In Event: The Center for Excellence in Homicide & Sex Assault Investigations

Abstract

The United States spends nearly $100 billion per year for police protection (USDOJ, 2006). The Better Government Association (2011) stated that Illinois taxpayers have paid $214 million since 1976 on 85 wrongful conviction cases, with costs expected to rise by as much as 50% in the next few years as 16 additional wrongful conviction cases are pending. It is important that law enforcement efforts to reduce violence meet the “3 E” standard articulated by Eck and Rosenbaum (1994) of being effective, efficient, and equitable. The CFE, in an effort to improve the investigative process and outcomes for the most serious crimes, must first understand the current state of investigations and training. This presentation will focus on multiple methods employed by the CFE team in order to understand the current state of investigations in Illinois include those areas that law enforcement consider most in need of reform.

Authors

• Rachel Johnston, Adler School

• Megan Alderden, Saint Xavier University