On December 13, 2018, Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams and his staff met with members of Me Too Springfield to address questions about the department’s handling of sexual assault cases. The meeting covered topics including past errors in evidence management, current investigative practices, and ongoing efforts to improve support for victims.
During the discussion, police officials responded to concerns about destroyed sexual assault kits and closed cases. They stated: “If a victim whose kit has been destroyed contacts us, we will review their case to determine what else is available to investigate; if a victim whose case has been closed would like to reopen their case, we will do a review of the case to determine what other evidence can be investigated. We can also assist victims with contacting additional resources including victim advocates, the crime victim compensation program and other community resources.”
The department explained that storage capacity for evidence is now sufficient: “Storage space is not an issue. The Springfield Police Department has adequate storage for sexual assault kits and recently expanded the storage space capacity for all property and evidence. New sexual assault kits are immediately sent to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab for analysis.”
Regarding untested kits, police said that as of this meeting there were 237 backlogged kits dating from 2010-2015. Testing began in partnership with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab in 2014 but was initially limited by lab policies. In 2016, assistance from federal initiatives allowed some older kits to be tested: “In 2016, as part of the Department of Justice Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, the FBI agreed to test 30 of our backlogged sexual assault kits.” An arrangement with state authorities now allows testing at a rate intended to clear the backlog within two years.
Before 2014, testing decisions were made on a case-by-case basis: “There was no mandate or best practice regarding the testing of sexual assault kits. The decision to test or not to test were agency level decisions and at SPD they were made on a case-by-case basis by the assigned detective generally after consultation with the prosecutor and/or the lab.”
Since then, policy changes have included eliminating deadline letters sent to victims during investigations and ending use of prosecution declaration waivers for crimes against persons. Victim advocates are now always available when statements are given.
Police described recent training focused on trauma-informed approaches taken by most personnel involved in these cases. Examples include conferences on crimes against women and children as well as specialized law enforcement courses.
The department noted improvements in its response since implementing new procedures in 2014. Uniform Crime Reporting data show increases both in reported rapes and clearance rates between 2013-2017. For example, rape clearances rose from 35% in 2013 to as high as 59% in 2016 before dropping slightly.
All new sexual assault kits are now submitted directly for analysis rather than being stored locally or destroyed: “By policy only by the authority of the Chief of Police, but at this time all sexual assault kits are being sent to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab for analysis and no kits will be destroyed.”
The Special Victims Unit currently includes seven detectives—two primarily assigned sexual assault investigations—with caseloads averaging over one hundred cases annually per investigator.
Looking ahead, funding approved through local tax measures is expected to add investigators over three years; state-level funding remains important for timely forensic testing.
On proposals raised by Me Too Springfield—including notification procedures for affected victims—the department stated it would encourage concerned individuals to reach out directly or through advocacy organizations due to concerns about causing secondary trauma with delayed notifications.
The police also committed to reviewing report fees during an upcoming city fee study process: “The fee referenced ($2 for all accident and incident reports) is established by City Council upon recommendations submitted by the Finance Department during the annual fee study…we will forward this recommendation for consideration.”
Finally, plans are underway both internally and collaboratively with service providers—including Me Too Springfield—to update online information reflecting more supportive approaches toward victims.
Chief Williams authorized release of this summary following discussions with Me Too Springfield representatives.
