Goal

Improve the best practices and outcomes of sexual assault reporting, processing, investigations, and prosecutions. 

This reform is defined by City Council Resolution 20190131-077.

 

Direction

Conduct an analysis that determines why more reported and investigated sexual assaults do not lead to convictions.  

 

Deliverables and Outcomes

An independent analysis and written report that determines the disconnect between cases reported and cases prosecuted and provides recommendations and policy changes for improvements. 

 

Status

December 2021

On December 7, 2021, APD Chief Chacon provided an update to City Council on the department's handling of sexual assault cases and the Victim Services Unit. Watch the presentation.

Austin Police Department Victim Services Unit and handling of sexual assault cases

June 2021

 

  • On June 17, Assistant City Manager Rey Arellano provided an update on the ongoing evaluation of how the Austin Police Department investigates and processes reported sexual assaults. In addition to providing information on progress to date and preliminary observations from the evaluation, the update also included a revised scope of work, budget, and timeline for the project.
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  • The team anticipates being able to complete case review in November 2021, and anticipated completion of the final report is now May 2022. The evaluation is an outcome related to City Council Resolution 20190131-077.

November 2020

  • Since execution of the contract, staff created a timeline for the project spanning over two (2) years, concluding in February 2022. 
  • Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), the vendor, participated in meetings with Council Member Alison Alter, City Manager’s Office, APD, Public Safety Commission, Commission for Women and the SAFE Alliance of Austin, November 6 – 8, 2019. 
  • In November 2019, PERF began their extensive review of relevant policies and procedures, both agency-wide and specific to the SCU, and related to the department’s current response to, and investigation of, adult sex crimes.
  • In late summer and fall 2020, PERF provided an update before the Austin Women’s Commission, Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT), and the Public Safety Commission. 
  • A key component of this evaluation is stakeholder interviews. In January 2021, PERF will begin reaching out to stakeholders for the interview process. Stakeholders include, local subject matter experts, entities that work directly with sexual assault survivors, the District Attorney’s Office, APD’s Sex Crimes Unit, and other materially relevant stakeholders. 

 

Timeline

July 2020

City staff provided an update on the process evaluation.

 

January 2019

Council adopted Resolution 20190131-077 on January 31, 2019.