Police Documentation of Complainant Truthfulness Concerns in Sexual Assault: A Mixed Methods Examination of Case Files

Police operate in a victim-blaming society that reinforces misperceptions that women lie about rape. Moreover, the issue of false rape allegations is arguably the most controversial topic related to sexual violence criminal-legal processing. Despite these issues, few studies have examined the factors associated with officer documentation of complainant truthfulness concerns. This study addresses this gap by using a rape culture-framework focused on officer documentation of complainant truthfulness. Specifically, using a mix-methods approach, the current study found that complainant character issues, inconsistent testimony, recantation, and complainant credibility influence officers’ documentation of complainant truthfulness concerns. Qualitative findings further illuminate the assumptions officers make when documenting concerns about complainant truthfulness.