AGENCY TESTIMONY
Challenges in investigating sexual misconduct in jails
3:16:04
·
47 sec
Commissioner Strauber outlines the unique challenges faced when investigating sexual misconduct in city jail facilities.
- Victims may be hesitant to come forward or cooperate due to shame or fear, especially in a custodial setting
- Persons in custody, including witnesses, may be suspicious of law enforcement and reluctant to cooperate
- Lack of video cameras in certain areas makes obtaining corroborating evidence difficult
Jocelyn Strauber
3:16:04
Investigations of sexual misconduct and city jail facilities present unique challenges, which can limit the effectiveness of our investigations.
3:16:13
As with other incidents of sexual violence, victims may be hesitant to come forward, or having submitted a complaint, cooperate with an investigation out of shame or fear.
3:16:24
These concerns are particularly acute in a custodial setting where the victims may be in daily contact with the alleged perpetrator and their coworkers.
3:16:34
Victims in custody, as well as witnesses who are in custody may be suspicious or afraid of law enforcement and reluctant to cooperate for that reason.
3:16:43
And because areas of these facilities where assaults might occur lack video cameras, corroborating or additional evidence can be difficult to obtain.
