Only 2.6% for sexual crimes gets charged – Patrick Tidmarsh on transforming sexual crime investigations
In the latest episode of “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt,” Dr. Patrick Tidmarsh sheds light on some of the most pressing issues in the field of investigative interviewing, particularly regarding sexual and relationship-based crimes. Dr. Tidmarsh, a renowned expert with decades of experience in both offender treatment and police training, discusses with Dr. Ivar Fahsing the profound impact of his “The Whole Story” concept on criminal investigations.
Summary
- Transforming Sexual Crime Investigations: Dr. Patrick Tidmarsh’s “The Whole Story” approach advocates for a holistic understanding of offenders and victims, reshaping how sexual crimes are investigated and handled within policing systems.
- Challenging Misconceptions: The discussion highlights critical issues, including low reporting rates (only 5% within 72 hours) and the myth of high false reporting, which is closer to 5%. It also addresses the impact of ingrained misogyny on victim trust and investigation quality.
- Impact and Progress: By implementing training programs rooted in “The Whole Story,” investigators have reduced victim-blaming attitudes, improved case handling, and significantly boosted victim satisfaction, paving the way for more empathetic and effective policing practices.
The Whole Story approach
Dr. Tidmarsh’s approach emphasises a holistic understanding of sexual crimes. He argues that effective policing must begin with a deep understanding of offenders, which in turn clarifies the experiences and reactions of victims. His approach has introduced new dimensions and tools for practitioners, fundamentally changing how sexual crimes are handled across various policing systems.
Reporting and misconceptions
One of the striking data points discussed in the podcast is the alarming statistic that only about 5% of sexual abuse victims report the crime within 72 hours. This delay is significant, not because it implies any fault on the part of the victim, but because it highlights the immense challenges victims face in coming forward. Dr. Tidmarsh notes that societal and systemic barriers, such as ingrained misogyny within policing, often discourage victims from reporting. Historically, cases involving sexual crimes were not seen as “proper policing” work and were often relegated to the margins of the policing world.
Misogyny and policing
The discussion also touches on the pervasive issue of misogyny in policing, especially concerning how sexual crime cases are handled. Dr. Tidmarsh points out that this not only affects the investigation quality but also impacts the satisfaction and trust victims have in the justice process. However, training programs that incorporate “The Whole Story” approach have been shown to reduce victim-blaming attitudes among investigators significantly and improve the overall handling of these sensitive cases.
False reporting rates
Another critical topic addressed is the misconception around false reporting. Contrary to the prevalent myth that false reporting is high in sexual crimes, research indicates that the rate of false reports is actually between 2% and 10%, more likely closer to 5%. Dr. Tidmarsh emphasises that most people who report sexual crimes are telling the truth, and a better understanding of the nature of these crimes can help investigators identify the truth more effectively.
Impact and future directions
“The Whole Story” approach has not only changed investigative practices but has also had a measurable impact on how victims perceive their treatment by the police. After implementing specialised training and approaches like those advocated by Dr. Patrick Tidmarsh, victim satisfaction rates have shown significant improvement. This shift is crucial in a landscape where trust in the police is critical for effective justice.
Conclusion
Dr. Patrick Tidmarsh’s contributions to investigative interviewing highlight an important shift towards more empathetic, informed, and effective policing practices. His work continues to influence and reshape the handling of sexual and relationship-based crimes globally. It aims to foster a justice system that truly understands and respects the experiences of victims while rigorously pursuing the truth. As we look forward to more innovations in the field, it’s clear that the foundations laid by experts like Dr. Tidmarsh will play a vital role in shaping future practices in criminal justice.
