An Evaluation of a 24-hour Trauma-Informed Sexual Assault Investigations Training on Police Officers’ Knowledge, Confidence, and Perceptions of Survivors

• In Event: Assessing Sexual Assault Trainings and the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative

Abstract

Police jurisdictions have begun to implement sexual assault investigations training with the goal of improving police interactions with survivors. In Kentucky, two 40-hour sexual assault investigations training programs have been developed and evaluated, and findings demonstrated positive outcomes. However, 40-hour training programs can represent a significant time investment for police agencies. To create training that may be more accessible to police agencies, the Kentucky Sexual Assault Kit Initiative implemented a shorter 24-hour trauma informed training course. The course couples lecture-based instruction and simulated interviews with actors, allowing officers an opportunity to learn new skills and practice them in a controlled environment. Using an experimental survey design, we assessed the effects of this course on officers’ perceptions of survivors, knowledge of trauma, and confidence to conduct trauma informed interviews. Findings from the evaluation indicated that the 24-hour training was effective at improving officers’ perceptions, knowledge, and confidence. Recommendations for future research and implications for police training will be discussed.

Authors

• Bradley A. Campbell, University of Louisville

• Katelyn McMahon, University of Louisville

• David S. Lapsey, Jr., Indiana University Southeast

• Heather M. Ouellette, University of Louisville

• Thomas Hughes, University of Louisville

• Erin Robinson, University of Louisville

• Rachel Carter, University of Louisville

• E. Edward Carter, Bellarmine University