London Police to pilot 'Philadelphia Model' for reviewing sexual assault investigations
New approach follows finding that London force had disproportionate share of ‘unfounded ’ cases
The London Police Service has announced it will be one of our four police forces in the province to conduct a pilot implementation of the 'Philadelphia Model' for reviewing sexual assault investigations.
The Philadelphia Model is a collaborative review process that allows outside experts to review sexual assault cases to ensure the investigation is thorough and properly classified.
"We are looking forward to implementing this model as we believe it is one more way to continue to develop best practices and evidence-based, trauma-informed investigations to provide an improved response and more support for victims of sexual violence," said Chief John Pare.
He added that the model will "provide oversight and accountability."
The announcement comes nearly three months after the London police force was found to have one of the highest percentages in the country of sexual assault cases that were classified as unfounded. The London figure was 44 per cent, compared to 20 per cent among police services across Canada.
The London Police Service undertook a review of the cases. In a report released in September, the force said a majority of the cases should not have been deemed unfounded.
Move to open up investigations applauded
A spokesperson for a local committee that is advising the London Police Service on how to appropriately classify sexual assault cases welcomes the Philadelphia Model initiative.
Jane McGregor, director of Anova's community programs, said the committee Is "very excited and reassured about this collaborative opportunity and the commitment from London Police."
"Our goal is to create a system where all survivors who choose to report feel supported. We are hopeful that case review will help to identify trends and gasp so barriers can be addressed."
The composition of the review committee is expected to be finalized by mid-January 2018 and the first reviews will be conducted early in the new year.
New lawsuit against London Police
Meanwhile, a second woman is now part of a lawsuit against the London Police Service over the way it handled sexual assault complaints. The woman, who is claiming anonymity, will be known only as Jane Doe.
She joins Ava Williams who previously announced her intentions to sue the London force.
In their statements of claim, both women say they were "subjected to treatment steeped in rape-myths."
And the Barbra Schlifer Clinic of Toronto is co-filing with the two women to make the case that "this is about a practice … that affects women in every jurisdiction in Canada," said Amanda Dale, the clinic's executive director.
Dale told CBC's London Morning Monday that the percentage of unfounded cases of sexual assault in Canada are much higher than in any other crime and are "generally based on stereotypes about how rape survivors should be behaving in the few hours after the rape."
Enforcing the Philadelphia Model
Dale was asked whether it was necessary for the Schlifer Clinic to proceed with its lawsuit when the London Police have indicated they will experiment with the Philadelphia Model.
She said legal action is required because research has shown that the commitment to implement new best practices is often dependent on an individual police chief's intentions.
"What we want is something that's enforced by the court. That means if a certain police chief leaves … we still have that on the books ... and that women can count on being treated with dignity, respect and equality."
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