Researchers from Bowling Green State University found that there are 405 charges of rape against police from the years of 2005 to 2013 and 636 forcible fondling instances. Here’s what you need to know about sexual harassment by police, including statistics on police sexual harassment, what to do if harassed, and how to report harassment.
Police sexual harassment statistics/information
A study conducted by the Cato Institute found that, after reports of excessive force, citizen complaints most referenced sexual misconduct by law enforcement.
An Associated Press study found that 1,000 officers lost their badges in a six-year period due to rape, sodomy, sex crimes, possession of child pornography, and other forms of sexual misconduct. In a study conducted by the Police Professionalism Initiative, 40% of police sexual misconduct cases included teens, who were often enrolled in youth engagement programs. A 2016 investigation of the Baltimore Police Force found that sexual assault allegations against police were severely under-investigated. Another 2016 investigation of the Baltimore Police Force by the DOJ found that officers would threaten prostitution charges against women who did not cooperate with their demands of sexual favors.
Researcher Andrea Ritchie states that because victims of sexual misconduct are less likely to report crimes by police officers, these issues are likely just the tip of the iceberg. Unfortunately, police agencies are quite reluctant to investigate their own employees.
What to Do If You’ve Been Harassed by a Police Officer
If a victim does not seek to report the incident, visiting a sexual assault crisis center may prove beneficial. A counselor can recount and document the details of the incident(s). If a victim does choose to report police sexual misconduct, therapeutic records will only be released and used as evidence with the victim’s consent. Victims can also use an “anonymous sexual assault exam,” which doesn’t go to the police, but remains in hospital records and can be utilized at a later time.
Send yourself an email or text following the incident, so that there is a timestamped detailed description of the event. If you can, document the time and details of the incident. This creates a contemporaneous record that could be admissible in court.
Another useful resource is RAINN. RAINN is an anonymous confidential hotline that is available 24/7 and is free. The phone number for RAINN is 1-800-656-4673.
Reporting the Police Officer for Sexual Assault
To report a police officer for sexual assault, first contact the police department involved. Submit a complaint in writing to the chief of police or the head of the law enforcement agency, and then submit a copy of the complaint to the internal affair division of the law enforcement agency.
The most effective way to make a complaint is to do so in person so that police investigators can interview the victim and get through the essential first steps of the investigation process as quickly as possible. Complaints can also be made via mail or telephone. All law enforcement personnel are required to take any misconduct allegations seriously.
Details of the incident such as time, date, exact location, officer name, and badge number will be required. Witness contact information should also be included.
If the police agency fails to take action, an attorney can help press charges against the officer and the officer’s police department.
Related: How to Report Sexual Assault in California
FAQS
What should I do if I try to report the sexual assault and the investigating officer is my abuser?
First, prioritize your safety. After you are safe, find another officer to report the sexual assault incident to and explain to them that the investigating officer is the alleged perpetrator.
Can I obtain a restraining order if the officer is found not guilty of the sexual assault?
A restraining order can be filed in a civil court if an individual is concerned for their safety. A restraining order is not guaranteed to be granted to you.
Related: Types of Restraining Orders in California
Contact Us
If you’ve been sexually harassed by a police officer, get your free consultation with one of our California Sexual Assault Attorneys today!