Police forces are notoriously resistant to reform, even in the face of rapidly declining public trust. The starting point of this book is the recognition that if we want profound change in policing, we must try something new. To do so, the authors move from asking "What is it about rape that makes it so difficult for police to investigate it well?" to asking "What is it about the police that makes it so difficult for police to investigate rape well?". Policing Rape sets out a practice-oriented theoretical framework for radically and sustainably transforming rape investigations, rape prevention, and the quality of officer engagement with victim-survivors. The authors reflect on the journey of putting this framework into practice within Operation Soteria Bluestone as a step on the path towards a radical transformation of rape policing.
This book is essential reading for all those looking to understand and improve the policing of rape.
Katrin Hohl is Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at City, University of London.
Elizabeth A. Stanko OBE is Professor Emerita of Criminology at Royal Holloway University and has spent 15 years in policing.