Investigating and Policing Rape

Emma Williams’ important study of rape investigations shows how poor prosecution and conviction rates are related to police culture, organisation and decision making.

The book uses interviews with police officers to analyse the working schema and interpretation of different contexts in rape cases, and asks why previous reviews have failed to resolve the attrition problem. Challenging the current ’what works’ mantra, the book explores how investigating officers really apply their experiential knowledge and what is deemed to be a successful outcome in a rape investigation. Analysing the barriers to change and conclusions for reform, this is a timely analysis that goes to the heart of police professionalism and legitimacy.

Emma Williams is Director of Research and Strategic Partnerships at the Centre for Police Research and Learning, Open University.