Abstract
Purpose
We evaluated and summarized the current literature on police sexual assault training. To do so, we examined the overall effects of police sexual assault training and assessed for potential moderating factors impacting training effectiveness.
Methods
We conducted a meta-analysis using robust variance estimation (RVE) to estimate the mean effects sizes and assess for potential moderating factors. Our sample included 294 effect sizes, 31 studies, and 22 independent datasets.
Results
Sexual assault training had a substantial impact across all outcomes, and was positively associated with improvements in officers' perceptions, hypothetical case processing decisions, content knowledge, and police behaviors. Analysis of long-term follow-up data found training effects remained robust and significant over time. In addition, training effects remained stable across moderator analyses.
Discussion
Findings reveal that sexual assault training programs of varying duration/dosage can significantly improve police perceptions, knowledge, and behavior. Evaluation research should continue to assess training through the use of rigorous research designs and with measures of police behavior. Ultimately, training has considerable utility for enhancing police response to sexual assault.