CPD implementing new program aimed to encourage victims to report sexual assault

The Columbia Police Department is working to become certified in a nationwide program aimed at increasing the number of sexual assault cases reported to police.

“The driving factor behind it is we want to make it as easy as possible for someone to report sexual violence,” said Deputy Chief Jill Schlude. “So whether that’s through an anonymous report or whether you come in the night of, the victim is in complete control of the process.”

The You Have Options program allows victims of sexual assault to just report the incident or ask for a partial or complete investigation from law enforcement. It also promises complete confidentiality between police and the victim.

“Every victim’s goal is not necessarily prosecution,” Schlude said.

Schlude said the department learned about the sexual assault reporting program at an International Association Chief of Police’s conference. She said the 20-element reporting process aligned with much of what the department was already practicing when investigating and talking to sexual assault victims.

For the program police officers have been participating in trauma-based interviewing training at Fort Lenoard Wood, Schlude said.

“I’ve heard a lot of great feedback from the detectives that have gone through those classes,” she said.

Schlude said the department is hoping to reach certification in the You Have Options program by the end of the year. She and Chief Ken Burton said they expect, and hope, the program will increase the number of reported sexual assault cases.

According to CPD’s crime data, 111 rapes were reported to the department in 2016, an increase of 35% from the year prior. So far 32 rapes have been reported to the department in 2017.

The University of Missouri Police Department investigated seven reported rapes in 2016, more than doubling from three cases in 2015.

“Anything we can do for the victims to make that an easier process and encourage them to do something,” Burton said. “Even if the only thing they do is get some assistance with counseling then it’s worth every penny it costs us in training.”