Monday, April 9, 2018

Myrstol report shows high referral rate for VPSO-assisted sex assault cases

Village Public Safety Officers (VPSOs). Courtesy Alaska State Troopers.
The likelihood that a sexual assault or sexual assault of a minor case will be accepted for prosecution in western Alaska is enhanced when VPSOs are first responders according to a new study.  The study, by Justice Center Director Brad Myrstol, examines the impact of VPSO involvement in sexual assault and sexual assault of a  minor cases at two decision points in the progress of a case toward prosecution:
  • Percent of cases with VPSO involvement that are referred by Troopers for prosecution
  • Percent of cases with VPSO involvement that, once referred, are accepted for prosecution.
Read about this study in the spring edition of the Alaska Justice Forum.