London Police review of sex-assault investigations finds 6%, not 33%, unfounded

An internal London Police Services review of 1,030 sexual assault investigations has concluded with a six per cent unfounded rate between 2010-16, a far cry from the 33 per cent rate initially listed for 2014.

The long-awaited report, launched in the wake of a damning Globe and Mail report, was released Thursday at the London Police Services Board meeting.

Several police services, including the OPP and RCMP, launched reviews of sexual assault investigation practices in February but it was the London Police Service that was highlighted in the article as having one of the highest rates of unfounded sexual assault investigations in Canada.

At that time, London’s police chief issued a formal apology to victims and Victim Services of Middlesex-London (VSML), formerly known as Victim Services of Middlesex County, announced the launch of a partnership with London Police.

With the release of the review on Thursday, police also announced a change in the way investigations are categorized.

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“Unfortunately, categorizing investigations in which there was inadequate evidence to support a charge or the complainant decided to not participate, as unfounded left the incorrect impression that victims were not believed by investigators,” Pare said.

“This is categorically incorrect.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Unfortunately, categorizing investigations in which there was inadequate evidence to support a charge or the complainant decided to not participate, as unfounded left the incorrect impression that victims were not believed by investigators," Pare said.</p><p>"This is categorically incorrect."

Police add that, going forward, the ‘unfounded’ code will only be used in cases where police determine the offence did not occur or there was no violation of the Criminal Code or other federal statutes.

The LPS is also aiming to increase support for victims of sexual violence, continue consultation with community and justice partners, and increase training for investigators.

Lastly, police announced plans to introduce a “community-based case review process” to enable outside, expert reviews to ensure cases are properly and thoroughly investigated. Details of that review process will be developed by a new advisory committee made up of community representatives and police.

Jane McGregor, Anova’s director of Community Programs, assisted in helping police find community members for the committee and believes police are committed to making a change.

“Police services have an important role in supporting victims of crime and there are many reasons why those impacted by sexual violence are hesitant to engage in reporting systems. Most fear not being believed,” said McGregor.

“This needs to change. We are working on changing this in our community.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Police services have an important role in supporting victims of crime and there are many reasons why those impacted by sexual violence are hesitant to engage in reporting systems. Most fear not being believed," said McGregor.</p><p>"This needs to change. We are working on changing this in our community."