Police Officer Perceptions of Crime Victims: Deception, Hysteria, or Trauma Responses?

• In Event: Police Perceptions, Stressors and Victim Experiences in Criminal Justice Procedures

Abstract

Police officers are often the first contact for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors. The initial response afforded to victims is crucial for post-trauma health and continued participation in the criminal justice system. Research has demonstrated that police officers have misinterpreted trauma characteristic of victims when they present for criminal justice intervention. Instead, officers have perceived these victims as deceptive and unreliable. The present study used 624 self-report survey responses from police officers at a large urban police department to assess the effect of demographic factors, occupational characteristics, and attitudes on perceptions of trauma among crime victims. Implications are discussed.

Authors

• Alondra Garza, Sam Houston State University

• Cortney Franklin, Sam Houston State University

• Amanda Goodson, Sam Houston State University

• Leana Bouffard, Iowa State University