Attrition of sexual offence cases in police investigations

Justice scales and gavel in foreground with Lady of Justice in background
Abstract

We used administrative police data on sexual offences from 2017 to 2022 to evaluate the factors that influence case attrition via withdrawn and unfounded case outcomes for adult sexual offences in Queensland. 

We ran analyses of case, police and system level variables to identify factors that affect withdrawn and unfounded outcomes for Indigenous and non‑Indigenous men and women. 

High demand, limited capacity and sexual offence severity increase withdrawn and unfounded outcomes. Specialist sexual offence trained investigators and referrals to external services are protective factors against case attrition.

References

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